US Science Teaching Gains the Attention of The New York Times. (July 4, 2006)

    In an editorial published July 3 titled "How to Educate Young Scientists" The New York Times opens with, "The United States could easily fall from its privileged perch in the global economy unless it does something about the horrendous state of science education at both the public school and university levels."

Strong stuff.

The Times goes on to claim that as many as 50% of university students intending to take science degrees "quit the field" before completing their studies. And it sees that one of the principal reasons is the disinterest in teaching by staff. "[S]tudents need early, engaging experiences in the lab — and much more mentoring than most of them receive now," says the Times.

The editorialist then singles out for praise the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI), led by Nobel Laureate Thomas Cech, for "the country's largest private supporter of science education."

HHMI has recently awarded twenty US$1 million professorships with the express purpose of  exploring innovative approaches to teaching science.

In addition fifty US universities have received grants from HHMI to enhance science education through greater provision of mentoring and the fostering of earlier engaging of students in research.

It is understood that some of the funding is also being provided to up the advertising of  "the virtues of scientific study not just at universities but also in high schools and middle schools."

The Times concludes that the US Congress, which is looking into how to raise the interest of the nation's students in undertaking science as a profession, might take note of just what and how HHMI is resourcing its initiatives.