Science as spectacle- it is the key to winning in the world economy and in the fight against climate change. What utter bollocks

Someone has declared this week National Science and Engineering Week (9-18 March) which is coordinated by the BA in partnership with the Engineering and Technology Board, who have a website provided on the Press release as http://www.the-ba.net/nsew and is wrong and returns an error message , the correct one is http://www.the-ba.net/the-ba/Events/NSEW/index.html. Here you will find the opportunity to search for events anywhere in the UK , except the search function doesn't work and you can only find all 1411 events - unless you know the event name, date and venue before searching.

The BA is what old fuddie duddies like Lord Patel used to call the British Association for the Advancement of Science but evidently the swinging cool Britain lot have decided to change the name.

Consequently , shadow being more important than substance, 100 scientists will meet the great Architect, Tony Blair at No 10 today - that should make for some interesting exchanges. "Tell me Prime Minister have you decided what Gravity is yet ?"

Many of who will say to you .... in his remorseless toneless voice ..... "Science and Engineering Ambassadors provide enormously valuable support to teachers and pupils across the UK, bringing in to the classroom real-life examples of exciting work in science, technology, engineering and maths. " Apparently the DTI will spend £6.7 million and aim to have 18,000 Ambassadors across the country by March next year - this program representing over 700 employers sounds more like a recruitment drive for employers desperate to find some young and modestly competent people and lure them away from hairdressing and media studies.

The Prime Minister will say (with conviction and a rictus of a smile) :

"Science is vitally important to the future of Britain. We have to be a magnet for scientific endeavour, attracting the best people and turning scientific knowledge into commercial enterprise.

"We need our young people today to embrace science and to realise that a career in science is an exciting prospect. These scientists provide the advice and practical examples to truly inspire."

About which nobody will argue, a decent salary for the best might help - although we are very generous with peerages for scientists.

The ageless Darling, will continue to drone on ..."UK scientists have transformed our world. Science is not just vital for surviving in the world economy; it is the key to winning in the world economy and in the fight against climate change. " (Anthropogenic Climate change being probably one of the most unscientific proposals made since man discovered fire)

"These scientists are our future. They should be celebrated for the amazing contribution they make. They are inspirational role models who help raise young people's aspirations, encouraging them to pursue careers in science."

Professor Lord Robert Winston, who is more a PR apparatchik for the seedier side of medical science than a scientist will be there spreading his oily charms and he will say :

"Science should be seen as a key part of the culture of our society and it is crucial that we inspire young people to understand science and use it with wisdom."

Along with this Press Release are some helpful notes for Editors -

Research Councils UK is committed to enhancing the quality and outputs of the UK research base through training the next generation of world class researchers. They support over 30,000 researchers at any one time and are committed to improving the quantity, quality and impact of research to the benefit of the UK society and economy. http://www.rcuk.ac.uk/default.htm

DTI sponsors a network for promotion of Science, Engineering, Technology and Maths in Schools (SETNET). Over 13,000 Science and Engineering Ambassadors (SEAs) are stimulating scientific interest amongst school children as part of a £6.7 million programme funded by DTI, and run by SETNET which aims to have 18,000 SEAs in place by March 2008. They represent over 700 different employers from a wide range of organisations. http://www.setnet.org.uk/
Download a form to apply to be an Ambassador here - you undergo a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check which is a compulsory requirement for anyone wishing to be a Science and Engineering Ambassador.

NOISE (New Outlooks In Science & Engineering) is a UK-wide campaign funded by the Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). Initiated in 2000, it aims to raise awareness of science and engineering among young people. http://www.noisemakers.org.uk/
They advertise "http://www.noisemakers.org.uk/modules/jobs/cooljobs.cfm "

Cool jobs in Science & Engineering
“You mean, they’ll let me do this, and they’ll pay me too?” Our NOISEmakers do all kinds of cool things for a living.

SET for BRITAIN supports and promotes Britain's early-stage and early-career research scientists, engineers and technologists who are the "engine-room" of continued progress in and development of UK research and R&D, and ultimately of UK plc. The main strand of activity is helping Members of Parliament organise research presentations by and competitions for Britain's top early-stage researchers at the House of Commons. http://www.setforeurope.org/

Apparently the Public can make Enquiries +44 (0)20 7215 5000 although quite why the International reference is provided is a bit mysterious.