Dynamic Science: The Makings of a Better World
(Original)

Denzil Furtado
(Age 13, Australia)
Xavier College Burke Hall

“Every great advance in science has issued from a new audacity of imagination” (John Dewey).

As people around the world strive for the increased growth of society, it is becoming increasingly evident that science and technology play key roles in addressing the needs and challenges we face in the modern world, every day of our lives. If we as global citizens are to achieve this vision of growth and development, it is integral that unified action is taken at local, national and international levels by everyone in order to achieve solutions to our common aspirations.

Despite the advancements made by our past and present-day scientists, it is clear that science in our communities needs refinement. In the words of Martin Luther King Jr., “Our scientific power has outrun our spiritual power. We have guided missiles and misguided men.” It is time that people around the world come together in the name of science and technology to help break down the international, racial and cultural barriers between people, and to focus their combined efforts into changing the world for the better.

According to the United Nations, 2001-2010 is the “International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence for the Children of the World" while 2005-2014 is the “Decade of Education for Sustainable Development”. In order to nurture both of these values, it is important that we, as members of the global community, create an awareness of the current inadequacies within society, in turn becoming empowered to employ innovative initiatives [and play leading roles in them] to address and rectify these current short-falls.

This is where my role as a youth, citizen, and most importantly, catalyst for positive change, plays a part.

I believe that the key to development and growth on a global scale is in creating awareness and fostering scientific outreach within communities of every kind.

Thus, the strategy I seek to employ involves a holistic, comprehensive approach to bettering scientific communities. Right from aspiring kids acquiring analytical thinking skills through the use of specially-tailored ICT programs, to professional human-aid experts developing new novel-cell therapy technologies, my projected scheme encompasses every level of science in a generalized, yet radical, notion.

It is called the Dynamic Science Initiative (or DSI) and is centred on five main categories of science, (Power, Digital, Health, Eco, Creative) to be applied as a whole unit into the education system from a secondary schooling level. During the schooling years, each area will be explored through the use of various creative activities, after which students will have the choice to further pursue one category of the program as a career choice.

Power: This area explores alternative, eco-friendly land, aero and aquatic propulsion technologies and power sources. At a higher level, areas of research could include the enhanced study of magnetics (polarities) to provide reliable propulsion/power technology, and the development of nanotechnology to support the power industry.

Digital: In the information age, the advancement of safer global media and communications networks required for 21st century research is integral. This research will enable open collaboration, conferencing and communication across borders, thus striving for harmony among diverse peoples and cultures. At a youth level, the development of user-friendly digital and ICT programs is to be addressed, which will serve to stimulate and improve kids’ learning, organisational, and analytical thinking skills necessary in later life.

Health: In this section, youths will learn about the physical obstacles and impediments facing humans and ways to overcome them using science and technology. Professional engineers will pioneer new ideas for improved human health, such as novel drug discoveries, biomedicine, and even bionics, looking to past inventions (such as the i-Limb) for inspiration.

Eco: This area deals with the conservation and protection of the biological, earth, and environmental sciences. Children will learn to appreciate and care for the ecosystem, while scientists will search for new ways of reducing our impact on society, through programs such as biocatalysis (the manufacturing of renewable sources for sustainable development) and enhanced biomimicry.

Creative: This last section allows youths and scientists to explore their creative side in areas such as entertainment, gaming and sporting technology.   

Applying the DSI in this way will allow for two major outcomes. One, students will be granted a wider awareness of science and technology from an earlier level, and will thus be able to acknowledge, address and act on pressing issues within the community. Secondly, students who develop a strong passion for science will be able to establish, nurture, develop and follow their chosen paths through life from an early age, hence, not only setting themselves up for a brighter future ahead, but also bringing us the enhanced ability for positive change through our leaders of tomorrow.