In a public environment where misinformation can strongly influence the attitudes young people have toward science, it is more important than ever that educators, employers, communicators and governments collaborate to ensure the next generation is well equipped to make informed decisions based on evidence, and ultimately contribute to an innovative and prosperous Canada.<\/p>\n
This was the clarion call that came from a national conversation on youth and science organized by the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) and Acfas on June 8.<\/p>\n
Read:<\/strong>\u00a0Full summary report of the national conversation on youth and science<\/a><\/p>\n The event, part of the CFI\u2019s 25th and Acfas\u2019s 100th anniversary celebrations, brought together experts in science education, communications and skills development from across the country, to discuss the findings of a\u00a0survey<\/a>\u00a0the CFI and Acfas commissioned last year to shed light on the attitudes 18- to 24-year-old Canadians have toward science.<\/p>\n The survey, conducted by Ipsos, found most young adults in Canada have confidence in science, but that persuasion by social media influencers and difficulties delineating between real and fake information can affect their ability to make informed health, environmental, social and lifestyle choices.<\/p>\n The conversation focused on three themes related to the survey:<\/p>\n Among the conclusions were that science should be viewed as a journey that can lead to unpredictable outcomes \u2014 and that we need to be better at reflecting this reality in schools; that we should be communicating science in a way that acknowledges the limits of our understanding; and ensuring those interested in careers in science can see themselves in these careers and are provided with the opportunities and pathways to pursue them.<\/p>\n\n