Wednesday 27 November, 1996

Making young people more aware of science and technology is a key focus of a new $1.83 million funding allocation for the ABC.

Announcing the grant today, Science and Technology Minister Peter McGauran said the national broadcaster would oversee a range of new initiatives, designed to lift the profile of science in Australia.

A highlight of the three year package is a new ABC On-Line Service, which will provide easy access for school leavers and students to ABC science programming and resources via the Internet.

The funding boost will also enable the ABC to take on three young science trainees, who will emerge as highly-skilled communicators, and to provide three Science Media Fellowships to working scientists.

In addition, the ABC, in conjunction with the Australian Science Festival, will launch a Science Week next year, as a forerunner to a National Science Week in 1998.

"The ABC is the leading player in science broadcasting in Australia and its journalists have gained world-wide recognition. This makes the national broadcaster an ideal vehicle for raising the profile of science and technology," Mr McGauran said.

"Australian scientists are also amongst the best in the world, but their work does not attract the recognition it deserves.

"The Federal Government is determined to change the way Australians view science and technology, particularly young people.

"If Australia is to remain a technologically advanced nation in the next century we need to arouse the interest and harness the talents of our scientists of the future now," Mr McGauran added.

For further information, contact Carmel Christensen on 06 2777660 or 018 624082, Robyn Williams (ABC) on 02 93331500 or Colin Griffith (ABC) on 02 93332434.