A recent study conducted by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) showed that "close to 40% of high school students who come top in science subjects have no interest in pursuing a science-related career," and "almost 45% do not want to continue studying science."

In fact, if you ask most 15-year-old students (the study's age group) what science research careers look like, chances are they would refer to a lab-coat clad, anti-social personality working in a lonely laboratory. This isn't an accurate depiction, but one many believe, due in part to the lack of real-life experience in the field.

If this is the case, then we have a problem because, according to OECD Secretary-General Angel Gurria, the importance of developing a "future strength of economies" is based on "a large and diverse talent pool ready to take up the challenge of a career in science."

So how do we turn science and research into enviable career choices? Gurria says that it is essential that schools make "science more interesting" and, "as societies we must also make science more accessible outside school" in order to shed the inaccurate vision that many students have about science-based careers.

The Sanofi-Aventis BioTalent Challenge (SABC) is one program aimed at doing just that.

Allison Fisher, TechAlliance Manager of Educational Outreach and SABC Regional Coordinator, says the program is a "unique, hands-on mentorship program for high school students interested in the real world of scientific research."

Students submit proposals to the program in the fall which are reviewed by local researchers and scientists. The students are then paired with mentors from educational and research institutions across Southwestern Ontario to conduct their research. The program culminates with a regional competition, followed by a national competition in the spring.

"When we talk about developing the next generation of innovators, these types of programs that provide experiential, hands-on learning help students decide what they want to pursue and helps them take the next step," Fisher adds.

A.B. Lucas Secondary School student, Catlin Martin Newnham, 18, is an example of how this program can foster an already keen interest in science. One of the many high school students across Southwestern Ontario competing in the SABC, Newnham's research project was created from a desire to help her mother, who suffers from chronic pain due to a car accident. Newnham was the winner of the regional SABC competition and placed fourth in the national competition.

Fisher says many of the students go on to develop their projects and continue ongoing research with their mentors.  Newnham has already made that decision. She plans to pursue a career in medical and biological science that combines research and practice.