THE health of the British economy is in the hands of future generations of engineers, technologists and scientists, and the teachers of science, an international conference was told.

"We live in a world of rapid and far-reaching change, a world in which knowledge has become the most important asset and competitive advantage comes from the application of science, skills and new ideas," said Professor Patrick Dowling, Association for Science Education president.

He called on the Government to establish an academy devoted to enabling scientists to contribute directly to education.