Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics: education and training strategy

2 Foreword from the Chief Scientific Adviser

Science and innovation are embedded in Scotland’s heritage and culture. They will play an ever-increasing role in Scotland’s future within the global economy. At all levels, education and training in science, technology, engineering and mathematics ( STEM) will open doors to a range of career opportunities, and not exclusively those considered a ‘ STEM career’. At the same time, wider public engagement with STEM, for all ages, can help increase confidence and strengthen STEM-related life skills and STEM literacy. As Scotland’s Chief Scientific Adviser I recognise the value of combining the economic and broader social aspects of STEM education and training within this strategy.

For the last six months I have also co-chaired the short-life Expert Reference Group for the STEM Strategy with Professor Iain Hunter. I would therefore like to place on record my thanks to Iain and to colleagues from a range of sectors who made their time freely available to the Group ^[1] . Each meeting involved positive and constructive discussion, reflecting Group members’ determination to see a STEM strategy that supports our next generation of scientists as well as encouraging people of all ages to engage more fully with STEM.

I know that the wider science base in Scotland will take a keen interest in the delivery of this strategy, and I hope that anyone with an interest in this important area will play their part in supporting STEM education and training, for Scotland’s future.

Professor Sheila Rowan MBE
Chief Scientific Adviser for Scotland