1. Is science still attractive to students? Maija Bundule Ministry of Education and Science Latvia

2. Change of the number of students in Latvia (1990-2003)

3. Proportion of women in different educational fields (%) Educational fieldIn total number of students From those obtaining a degree or qualification Teacher training and educational science 8489 Humanities and arts7882 Social sciences and law6570 Natural sciences and mathematics3655 Engineering and technologies2131 Agriculture4448 Health and social care84 Services5629 On average6269

4. Age structure of researchers in Latvia

5. Number of students in different fields of study

6. Survey of last year grammar school students Aims of the survey –General interests of students –Prestige of different professions – Intention to study in university –Attitude to science At present only in grammar schools in Riga Boys and girls ratio – 48%: 52% Survey will be continued in other cities as well as in rural areas

7. General interests For girls: –Culture –Sports –Politics For boys –Sports –science and technology –Economy and finances

8. The most prestigious professions For girls: –Doctor –Scientist –Judge For boys; –Entrepreneur –Scientist as well as engineer

9. Attitude towards science and research Both boys ( 85%) and girls (71%) –had a positive attitude towards science –were sure that science contributes to progress and economical development –our government should support scientific investigations at much greater extent

10. Interest in own scientific career (%)

11. Survey of students in the University of Latvia Aims: –Students opinion about science and research in Latvia –Intent to create an academic career –Interest to be involved actively in research projects Received 954 inputs: 684 from female students and 270 –

21. Concluding remarks for grammar school students Still the image of science is high Attitude regarding the scientists’ career differs between boys and girls – boys are more interested in research In grammar schools predominantly there is a positive attitude towards science Needed more and wider information about science, researchers and their results in order to motivate students get more interested in scientific career

22. Concluding remarks for students from the University of Latvia There is a great interest about research work, doctoral studies and academic career, This interest should be supported and encouraged

23. Many THANKS for cooperation to Assoc.prof. Ausma Cimdiņa Dr. philol. Ilze Trapenciere Mg. Ingrīda Kalviņa Bc. Solvita Kostjukova Mg. Dace Rambaka