School science research symposium encourages students
The National Science Foundation, in collaboration with the Ministry of Science and Technology commemorated National Science Day with a school science research symposium held on Wednesday to encourage students to engage in research. The event was held to encourage students and teachers to raise curiosity, think critically and explore new ideas and to inspire innovations.
Director General and CEO of the National Science foundation Dr Sepalika Sudasinghe addressing the event said that it was the first time that they held the school science research symposium to develop, support and facilitate as well as nurture future scientists, as well as improve their analytical, observation and research and decisionmaking skills. She said that the country requires people who could meet the challenges of future job markets, therefore students need to go beyond textbooks and be innovative and think differently to change the future of the country.
Former Chairman of the National Science Foundation working committee on science popularisation Dr Jayantha Waththewidange said research greatly helped humanity. He added that from the discovery of insulin to research on plastic eating bacteria, research helped to tackle various issues. The schoolchildren who engaged in research, too, identified issues and used scientific methodology to solve that problem. Students got valuable advice from teachers, the Science Foundation working committee as well as the research panel.
By engaging in research, students gain new knowledge and contribute to the existing knowledge system, he said. The Director General (Planning) of the Ministry of Science and Technology said research has shaped the world, and that research is not only for scientists but for everyone. She added that through research, problems can be solved, communities helped, and global challenges such as environmental pollution, health crisis or sustainable development, can be addressed. (KW)
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