In a recent Eurostat survey on Europeans, science and technology, Slovenians proved that they have a good command of the subject, taking seventh place among 32 European countries, Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology Jure Zupan told the press on Tuesday.
Slovenians passed the Eurostat test on natural science, answering 72% answers correctly. The average in the EU was 66%. Slovenians were seventh among 25 EU members, Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey and Croatia.
According to Zupan, Slovenians are under the EU average as regards their interest in innovation and technology (only 26% are interested), and only 7% discuss the subject with their friends. They also think they should be better informed about scientific work and discoveries (65%).
However, Slovenians were pessimistic in certain answers regarding scientific research, Zupan said. Only 75% believe scientists will find a cure for AIDS, while the EU average is 88%.
Slovenians are also not overly sure that science can make our lives healthier, simpler or more comfortable (only 67% are convinced, 76% on average in the EU). As few as 61% Slovenians feel scientists can offer better opportunities for future generations (77% is the EU average).
Only 40% of the 1,060 Slovenians surveyed find science has more advantages than disadvantages (the EU average is 52%). As many as 82% do not trust science can put an end to poverty and hunger (39% on average in the EU), while 68% believe genetically modified food is dangerous (54% in the EU).
Meanwhile, Slovenians have shown more optimism about the position of science in the EU, as 54% think basic research is of key importance for the development of new technologies. As many as 76% are convinced industry can benefit from joint international EU-funded research.
Minister Zupan was not happy with the fact that only 66% of Slovenian surveyed support women who are pursuing their careers in scientific work. The average in the EU on that question was higher by 8 percentage points.
As many as 63% of Slovenians agreed classes on natural science are not interesting enough. Therefore the ministry would like to make it more attractive for the students, in secondary schools as well as universities, and include more practical work instead of theory.
Nevertheless, the survey which was conducted in January and February and published in June has provided several guidelines on how to improve science and education, Zupan is convinced.
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