Some 78pc of Irish people agree that young people interested in science have a better chance of landing a job than those that don’t.
A new Eurobarometer survey shows that more than three-quarters (77pc) of Europeans think that science and technology has a positive influence on society.
Drilling down, 92pc of Irish think that a scientific education is important in stimulating creative thinking in young people.
In fact, at least half of Irish respondents say it is ‘very important’ (51pc).
Science needs to enter the ordinary dialogue
The poll also shows that the Irish are more interested in developments in science and technology (56pc) compared to the EU average (53pc) and also feel more informed (47pc) compared to the EU average (40pc).
Television is the most mentioned source of information on developments in science and technology in each country, ranging from 84pc of Swedish respondents, to 44pc of those in Ireland.
In fact, Ireland is the only country where fewer than 50pc say they get this information from the television.
“The results of this survey show that Europeans support the role of science and technology in society, but at the same time expect scientists and politicians to ensure that their values and concerns are taken into account,” Research, Innovation and Science Commissioner Máire Geoghegan-Quinn said.
“The next EU research and innovation programme, Horizon 2020, is focused on achieving that balance.
“We now need to step up our efforts to enter into dialogue with society about science, and must get more young people interested in science and innovation careers,” Geoghegan-Quinn added.
