Panelists from across the country gather to reflect on how to support young people with the skills and knowledge they need to make decisions on science-based issues

In a public environment where misinformation can strongly influence the attitudes young people have toward science, it is more important than ever that educators, employers, communicators and governments collaborate to ensure the next generation is well equipped to make informed decisions based on evidence, and ultimately contribute to an innovative and prosperous Canada.

This was the clarion call that came from a national conversation on youth and science organized by the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) and Acfas on June 8.

Read: Full summary report of the national conversation on youth and science

The event, part of the CFI’s 25th and Acfas’s 100th anniversary celebrations, brought together experts in science education, communications and skills development from across the country, to discuss the findings of a survey the CFI and Acfas commissioned last year to shed light on the attitudes 18- to 24-year-old Canadians have toward science.

The survey, conducted by Ipsos, found most young adults in Canada have confidence in science, but that persuasion by social media influencers and difficulties delineating between real and fake information can affect their ability to make informed health, environmental, social and lifestyle choices.

The conversation focused on three themes related to the survey:

• The role of educators in promoting science literacy
• The current state of science communication to build public trust
• The skills in science and technology that will contribute to the Canadian economy.

Among the conclusions were that science should be viewed as a journey that can lead to unpredictable outcomes — and that we need to be better at reflecting this reality in schools; that we should be communicating science in a way that acknowledges the limits of our understanding; and ensuring those interested in careers in science can see themselves in these careers and are provided with the opportunities and pathways to pursue them.

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