The Chief Scientist was interviewed by The Australian newspaper about technology, innovation and entrepreneurship in Australia.

Professor Chubb said the decline in student participation in maths and science subjects at school is a concern when it comes to training the entrepreneurs of the future.

“Participation rates in science subjects at years 11 and 12 are at their lowest in 20 years, and more and more students are opting to take mathematics at a level below their true ability. Students who do go on to study a science at a higher level are encouraged to become research scientists — they are rarely given the same encouragement to think about all the other roles where people who understand science might be useful.

“What industry doesn’t need science or people steeped in the scientific method? We need to change the way wethink about science training and science-trained people to change the attitudes we pass on to students. And we need to alert them to all the opportunities — in all sectors of the economy — that their skills make available to them.”

Read the full article online at The Australian’s website here.