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It's not that we need more scientists in the traditional Phd -> academic track sense necessarily, but rather more technically trained individuals. Folks with sc

by redwood 14y ago

It's not that we need more scientists in the traditional Phd -> academic track sense necessarily, but rather more technically trained individuals. Folks with science degrees can find lot's of interesting work that others from humanities backgrounds have trouble competing for and can open up new business spaces by being part of innovative fields. It's certainly a mistake to think most science-trained folks work as stereotypical lab-suit-wearing scientists. Science-trained individuals have fruitful careers across the map, and we benefit from more of that, that's all!

Zenst 14y ago
I totaly agree but there again I grew up with computer studies being about learning how computers work and writing code. As apposed to this is how we do mail-merge type of computer studies they have today in schools. I also suspect Wallmart have more scientific degree's working for them than NASA does employee wise, but thats just a sign of our times. Maybe the standards need to be raised more so that a degree means something, though that is another issue, although related. Another related issue would be World-wide standards. You can get a fully trained brain surgeon from say russia who could be the best in the World and have all the top end Russian qualifications. Though in say the UK or USA etc he would not even be allowed to change a IV drip or a bandage and would have to redo all those exams again to the local standard. Education needs to be unified more perhaps world-wide so a degree from china is the same standard as a degree from America or from France or Africa. Then perhaps the true quality and abilities are allowed to shine thru. Again a seperate issue though something that is relavent. I also think that TV has over the past decade or so done wonders in removing that sterotypical image of lab-coated scientists, though maybe they have dumbed that image down a little too much when your cleaner calls herself a dirt abstraction scientist!

by redwood 14y ago

Zenst 14y ago

I totaly agree but there again I grew up with computer studies being about learning how computers work and writing code. As apposed to this is how we do mail-merge type of computer studies they have today in schools. I also suspect Wallmart have more scientific degree's working for them than NASA does employee wise, but thats just a sign of our times. Maybe the standards need to be raised more so that a degree means something, though that is another issue, although related. Another related issue would be World-wide standards. You can get a fully trained brain surgeon from say russia who could be the best in the World and have all the top end Russian qualifications. Though in say the UK or USA etc he would not even be allowed to change a IV drip or a bandage and would have to redo all those exams again to the local standard. Education needs to be unified more perhaps world-wide so a degree from china is the same standard as a degree from America or from France or Africa. Then perhaps the true quality and abilities are allowed to shine thru. Again a seperate issue though something that is relavent. I also think that TV has over the past decade or so done wonders in removing that sterotypical image of lab-coated scientists, though maybe they have dumbed that image down a little too much when your cleaner calls herself a dirt abstraction scientist!