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In response to a protest today (September 17) by some anti-nuclear groups about a student project competition on nuclear energy organised by Science in the Public Service (SIPS), the Chairman of the SIPS Organising Committee, Mr Leung Wing-mo, said that the groups might have misunderstood the intentions of the student project.
"SIPS has no predetermined position regarding the use of nuclear energy," Mr Leung stressed.
In view of the tragic nuclear accident in Fukushima, Japan, SIPS decided to organise in early 2012 a student project competition entitled "Challenges and opportunities of using nuclear energy". The competition is meant to encourage students to study more about the science of such an important subject, and to provide an opportunity for the students to scrutinise the pros and cons of nuclear energy. SIPS also encourages the participating teams to study the controversial issue from different perspectives in a scientific, objective and rational manner.
As in the past, the student projects will be judged not on the students' conclusions about the issue per se, but rather on their ability in assimilating and analysing information and data to arrive at a logical conclusion, as well as skilfully and logically presenting their findings. As such, the competition is an excellent platform for the students to develop their learning skills.
SIPS is a campaign organised by some 40 government bureaux, departments and collaborating partners to inform the public of their scientific achievements and the application of science and technology in providing services. During the past five years, SIPS has organised a series of activities, such as science fun fairs, exhibitions, public talks, an online quiz and competitions, to promote public interest in and understanding of science. These activities have been warmly received by the public, especially students and the youth.
Information about the student project competition is available at the SIPS website (www.science.gov.hk/eng/info-stcomp1112e.htm).
Ends/Saturday, September 17, 2011
Issued at HKT 15:01
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