Science Education Experts Discuss Solutions for Global Competitiveness at Scientific American Forum

Opinion Leaders Examine the Role of the Sciences in Education over the Next Decade

WASHINGTON, Dec. 9 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On Tuesday, December 8, 2009, Scientific American, the longest continuously published magazine in the U.S., hosted The Decade-2 Education Forum in Washington, D.C. The forum was organized to promote the teaching of math and science to America's students and was sponsored by Amgen, a leading biotechnology company committed to science education in the U.S.

Building upon recent national initiatives such as President Obama's "Educate to Innovate" campaign and his $4.35 billion "Race to the Top" school competition, Scientific American assembled prominent thinkers and leaders before an audience of more than 100 education advocates from government, industry and academia. The participants actively debated the question "Are we at a crossroads in defining the role and scope of a quality science education for all students?"

Presenting attendees included Tony Miller, U.S. Department of Education deputy secretary; Kristina Johnson, U.S. Department of Energy undersecretary; House Science and Technology Committee Chairman The Honorable Bart Gordon (D-TN); the Honorable Sherwood Boehlert (R-NY), former Chairman of the House Science and Technology Committee; Eugenie Scott, executive director, National Center for Science; Robert M. Lippincott, senior vice president, Education, PBS; and Craig Robinson, Ph.D., executive director, National Science Foundation, among others.

"In recent months we have seen fresh thinking about the future of technology, innovation and how best to inspire a new generation of students," said Bruce Brandfon, publisher, Scientific American. "This forum proved to be an informative and insightful assembly of persons vested in the success of the American education system, and consequently, the success of America."

Several key themes emerged during the day's discussions:

    --  The state of tomorrow's workforce: over the next five years 40-50% of
        the U.S. workforce will retire.
    --  The state of the classroom: The U.S. is lagging behind several other
        countries in academics, and coupled with the fact that only 18% of U.S.
        high school students can pass a science proficiency test it is clear
        that something must be done to address what will be a drastic shortage
        of scientists in our country.
    --  Finding solutions for building an effective workforce of scientists who
        can solve our most difficult technological challenges by inspiring U.S.
        students to purse science careers. These solutions included public
        policy solutions, alignment of academic standards, federal funding,
        curriculum innovation and educator training.

To view video highlights of Kristina Johnson keynote address, please click HERE.

"Amgen is proud to be a part of today's important dialogue," said Joe Miletich, senior vice president of Research and Development at Amgen. "Amgen, and other companies on the cutting edge of biotechnology, depend on the ingenuity and pioneering spirit of new generations of Americans. We are committed to supporting education programs that entice and encourage students to explore their future in science."

About Scientific American

Scientific American is at the heart of Nature Publishing Group's (www.nature.com) newly formed consumer media division, which focuses on the needs of the general public. Founded in 1845, Scientific American (www.scientificamerican.com) is the longest continuously published magazine in the U.S. and the premier science publication in consumer media.

About Amgen

Amgen discovers, develops, manufactures and delivers innovative human therapeutics. A biotechnology pioneer since 1980, Amgen was one of the first companies to realize the new science's promise by bringing safe and effective medicines from lab, to manufacturing plant, to patient. Amgen therapeutics have changed the practice of medicine, helping millions of people around the world in the fight against cancer, kidney disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and other serious illnesses. With a deep and broad pipeline of potential new medicines, Amgen remains committed to advancing science to dramatically improve people's lives. To learn more about our pioneering science and our vital medicines, visit www.amgen.com.

SOURCE Scientific American