Australian Embassy launches 'Scientists in Schools' program

MANILA, Philippines -  The Australian Embassy recently aunched its “Scientists in Schools” program at the University of the Philippines-Manila. The launch featured a lecture by Australian scientist and cervical cancer vaccine pioneer Prof. Ian Frazer.

Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Rod Smith said the initiative aims to raise appreciation for science education, research and innovation in Philippine high schools and universities so as to inspire students to become the next generation of Filipino scientists. 

The program is patterned after a national initiative by Australia’s science agency, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, which promotes science education in primary and secondary schools through partnerships and visits by Australian scientists.

“Each year, we aim to bring an Australian scientist who can share his/her knowledge and interact directly with students,” Amb. Smith said. “For this inaugural event, we are very fortunate to have Professor Frazer to share his groundbreaking research on the prevention of cervical cancer.”

Prof. Frazer was also the main speaker in “Catching Cancer: A Forum on Cervical Cancer Prevention and Control” co-organised by the Australian Embassy and the Department of Health in observance of Cervical Cancer Awareness Month.

“Professor Frazer is among the many Australian scientists whose discoveries and creations are changing the lives of millions around the world. Australia has been in the forefront of innovations and achievements in many fields, including sciences, medicine, industry and agriculture,” Amb. Smith said.

Innovations by Australians range from commonplace items including long-wearing contact lenses and wireless LANs or Wi-Fi, to contemporary science and medical breakthroughs such as the ultrasound, heart pacemaker and cochlear implants. Ten Nobel Prizes have been awarded to Australians for their cutting edge work in medicine, ranging from immunology, nerves and the brain, to penicillin and organ transplants.

The Australian government, as a longstanding partner to the Philippines, has invested substantially in education. About P2bilion, or almost half of Australia’s current bilateral development program, goes towards improving access and quality of basic education in the Philippines, and to providing scholarships to a large number of Filipinos to pursue higher education in Australia.