ASTROPHYSICIST Carl Sagan once described science as a “candle in the dark”, a painstaking process of trial and error where rational, objective methodology attempts to light a pathway for our species to investigate the great unknowns of the surrounding universe. However, this centuries-old quest for enlightenment and technological advancement has often been tainted by ignorance, superstition and fear of the unknown. We are, perhaps, still affected by the hangover of ancient metaphorical warnings that consuming the fruit from the tree of knowledge would lead to the “fall of man” - rather than providing the only realistic opportunity of turning all of our most optimistic hopes for the future into reality.
Over the past six months, The Herald’s STEM campaign – in partnership with the top tier of Scottish industry and academia – has attempted to shine a similarly positive, progressive and informative light upon the achievements and hopes of those working within the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. We have also explored how those working within these various sectors are striving to inspire the next generation of scientists, inventors, engineers and academics to embrace STEM subjects in their learning – with the aim of making young people aware of the wealth of opportunities on offer if they choose to dedicate their lives to societal advancement, technological progression and the search for knowledge.
Choosing STEM subjects at an early stage in life not only means the sky is the limit for pupils’ careers, but also serves to strengthen Scotland’s future role in helping find solutions to current global issues – such as climate change, poverty, renewable energy and the fight against disease.
We hope the young stars of tomorrow find that the trailblazers and dreamers profiled within these pages inspire them into Scotland’s next era of enlightenment.
Bill Bain is Deputy Special Projects Editor and Herald columnist
5 James Watt
200 years after his death, we pay tribute to the Scot who created the modern world
10 High flyers
Paying tribute to University of Glasgow’s stellar team in an age of dramatic discovery
15 Women in science
A touring show remembers remarkable women who have shaped scientific discovery
18 On the right road
Scottish Apprenticeship Week shows how young people can be helped to study
21 Pure mentor
How CGI is helping young people to find their way
24 Safe spaces
Measures that make sure everyone feels welcome
at their workplace
30 Artificial intelligence
Find out AI is revolutionising just about every sector
31 The Apprentices
Think you know about apprenticeships? Think again ... these Skills Development Scotland programmes are
breaking the mould
36 Newsdesk
Highlights from Scotland’s science and tech sectors
38 Tech review
Some of the gadgets smartening up your home
39 College years
Celebrating half a century of City of Glasgow College
45 Out of this world
Scotland’s scientists are playing a remarkable part
in the space race
49 Inspire and hire
Dell EMC reveals its formula for success in recruitment
54 What’s on
Talks, seminars and symposia dates for the diary
55 Cool collaboration
How the Scottish Funding Council enables researchers and entrepreneurs to find success together
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