IAEA official tells students science is 'basis of the future'

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Yukiya Amano spoke to a group of high school students recently in Manila, the Philippines, emphasizing that science is crucial to development.

Quezon City High School, one of the pilot schools for an outreach program on Nuclear Science and Technology developed by the IAEA, benefits from an agency-sponsored program to raise students’ interest in nuclear science and technology.

Approximately 450 students in two metropolitan Manila high schools participate in the program, which is also implemented in Indonesia, Malaysia and the United Arab Emirates.

During his visit, Amano spoke to students about the importance of science and technology, stressing how important science is to economic progress and human development.

Noting that nuclear science contributes to health, water management, agriculture, the environment and industry, he said, "Science is the basis of the future, not only for your country, but also for individuals such as yourselves." Amano encouraged them to persevere in their studies and maintain their interest in science.

The Philippines is one of four countries piloting the use of the Compendium of Resources and Activities for Secondary School Teachers and Students on Nuclear Science and Technology, developed by the IAEA.