Some time ago I took part in a course on human anatomy and physiology. It is not my preferred subject. I am much more interested in matters of mind/brain processes. Therefore it is no wonder that in the course I found many concepts new, much of the language foreign and some of the knowledge of (for me) doubtful value. On the positive side, however, my respect for the human body received a considerable boost. How all the different systems function, and in such a well designed and complementary manner, and how they can be accommodated within our bodies, to me is simply a miracle.
But then, the human body is only one area which deserves our interest and our admiration. We live at a time that is characterised by ever increasing progress in many branches of science. It is tragic, therefore, that many of our young people turn away from those areas towards other, apparently more promising careers such as law, business and economics. Has technology made life too easy for us? Have we become apathetic? Modems, computers, home videotape recorders... you name it, all those wonders of modern science seem to rate in our society like the famous Black Box: Put in a request and out comes a result. Never mind how it happens.
WHAT IS THE OUTCOME OF ALL THIS?
Not only are 60% of scientists above the age of 40, there is also a trend towards earlier retirement these days. So it has been suggested that in another ten years we can expect a shortage of some ten thousand scientists in Australia. The Australian National University has lowered its standards for entry into science to attract a larger number of students. Another factor comes to mind: It take years to train a person to a certain degree of competence. Obviously, there will be a delay even if the tide should now return toward greater interest in the sciences.
As the supply of trained and suitable personnel dwindles, research projects will slow down, while others may have to be abandoned altogether. Even more serious is the prospect that Australia may lose it's lead in a world that is becoming more and more competitive.
Perhaps we ought to get away from our Black Box mentality. We must reawaken in our young people the sense of curiosity and wonder about the world: "Why does the moon not fly away into space?", "How does one single dot create the picture on the television Screen?", "Why does an electron microscope not render coloured pictures?", or even, "How would our lives change if all the electrons unexpectedly went on strike?"
The late Professor Julian Sumner Miller gave us a direction. While some people may belittle his enthusiasm, his childish approach, there are teachers and parents who have some of those qualities. They inspire excitement, enthusiasm and curiosity in our young people. It is those who promise to restore a necessary balance.
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