Why science and technology?
Science is the endless frontier. These are the famous words of the US presidential adviser Vannevar Bush spoken more than 60 years ago, which were used to motivate society to invest in education and basic research. Science enables technology, which throughout the subsequent 60 years dramatically improved humankind’s possibilities for well-being, in turn ranging from food, shelter, and care to transportation, communication, and leisure.
Finnish comprehensive school students demonstrate friction. Kuva: Suvi Korhonen
Science and technology are today more crucial than ever for the future of earth and its inhabitants. We need responsible technology to protect the environment and to harvest the necessary energy and material resources in a sustainable way. The grand challenges of energy, the environment, and biodiversity can only be met by deepening our understanding through science and by applying advanced technology that is in balance with nature.
Science and technology, while necessary for our survival and well-being, are also fundamental to human curiosity and exploration. Scientific discovery, whether in the form of surveying the universe with telescopes or probing into the inner workings of biomolecules through powerful microscopes, is the greatest form of human adventure.
Mathematics is the powerful language of science, and with computers it can open new, complex areas for investigation and exploration. Climate-change modeling and deciphering the genetic code are two examples. There are many outstanding questions that are waiting for answers, and many discoveries to be made. The possibilities are boundless.
Science-based understanding helps to free us from prejudice and any unnecessary fear and bullying. Communication, as exemplified by the dramatic growth of the Internet, fosters democracy and freedom, and helps us to share knowledge and understand each other in the global village. Only through mutual respect and understanding can we improve the quality of life on earth.
There are, therefore, many reasons for studying science and technology. We must also celebrate those individuals who have contributed to the improvement of the human condition through discoveries and inventions.
Technology Academy Finland has established the Millennium Technology Prize, which is awarded biannually in order to recognize life-enhancing technological innovations, with the potential to substantially benefit humankind. The first three prizes have been awarded to Tim Berners-Lee, inventor of the World Wide Web, Shuji Nakamura, inventor of the blue-green solid-state lighting, and to Robert Langer, pioneer of biomaterials for medical use. The next Millennium Prize winner will be announced in June 2010 in Helsinki, Finland.
Links:
Millennium Technology Prize
Risto Nieminen is the first Aalto Professor at the Aalto University and director of the COMP Center of Excellence in Computational Nanoscience. Risto is also a protector of the Millennium Youth Camp and a member of Editorial Council of MyScience.