By Ranjan K Baruah
Promotion of science is essential for the progress of humanity and all other living organisms on earth. One of the days which have been observed for more than two decades is observance of World Science Day for Peace and Development on 10th November and the day highlights the significant role of science in society and the need to engage the wider public in debates on emerging scientific issues. It also underlines the importance and relevance of science in our daily lives.
By linking science more closely with society, World Science Day for Peace and Development aims to ensure that citizens are kept informed of developments in science. It also underscores the role scientists play in broadening our understanding of the remarkable, fragile planet we call home and in making our societies more sustainable. The year 2021 marks 20th edition of World Science Day for Peace and Development. With climate change becoming a serious threat to the lives of billions of people and the planet, this year’s celebration will highlight the importance of “Building Climate-Ready Communities”.
Discussing about the day also encourages us to take up science as our career. When we talk about science as a career then the subjects which come to our mind include Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Zoology, Botany, Geology, Environmental Science, Engineering, Medical, etc. All those who are good in academics and love subjects like Mathematics and Science during school days may take up science as their future career. Many students feel that these subjects are tough but the fact is anyone may excel in Science subjects for which they need to know their capacities and basic ideas.
Any student may start their planning related to Science from secondary level or from class IX onwards. One must know that we have to be familiar and friendly with subjects like Mathematics and Science from our school days. We can choose and take admission in Science stream after Class X. There are many subjects in Science stream and they can be chosen according to our qualifications or interests.
Students may choose to study specific subjects like Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, etc after their senior secondary level. There are other options apart from these subjects like epidemiologists who examine the causes of diseases to prevent them from transmitting and recurring, including investigating the triggers of an infection for a public health agency or collecting blood samples at an outpatient care centre. These medical scientists might work in hospitals, laboratories or universities, or for pharmaceutical companies or health insurers and we have seen their demand as we have seen the recent pandemic. An epidemiologist, also known as a medical scientist, conducts infection surveillance – tracking infections, reading data, assessing where problems may reside and deciding where intervention is needed. Talbot says epidemiologists have the opportunity to provide thoughtful, scientific analysis to help improve the care of patients and the safety of health care workers. We shall publish more about careers in science for peace and development in our forthcoming editions.
Exam Update
MAT: Management Aptitude Test (MAT) is a standardised test being administered since 1988 to facilitate Business Schools (B-Schools) to screen candidates for admission to MBA and allied programmes. Govt. of India, Ministry of HRD approved MAT as a national level test in 2003. Any B-School – national or international – can consider MAT Score as an admission input based on the Score Cards issued to the candidates. Apply before 30th November for the next test to be held on 5th December.
ACET: Actuarial Common Entrance Test (ACET) is conducted by Institute of Actuaries of India and aspirants may apply before 10th November.
(The author is a career mentor and skill trainer and can be reached at 8473943734 or [email protected])