More students than ever before have been accepted onto science and engineering related degree courses this autumn, according to the University and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
Science is also now the most popular subject at school according to a new poll of children aged 5 to 18.
These two snippets have come to EW through the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).
"With the increase in undergraduate interest in science and engineering, we anticipate greater numbers of PhD students applying for research funding over the years to come. It is more vital than ever to create a support network for school children to encourage them to engage with science and engineering at an early stage to help them become career scientists and engineers," said EPSRC chief executive Dave Delpy.
UCAS figures for admissions this autumn show the number of students accepted onto engineering related degree courses is up 17.3% since 2008, said the EPSRC. This trend is repeated for physical sciences related subjects where the number is up 9.7%. Applications in both these areas have been rising steadily for the last five years and seem set to continue.
The Young Scientist Centre Poll of 2,000 children between 5 and 18 years old, said EPSRC, has shown that more children are planning to opt for a science related subject at GCSE and A-Level and thereafter a career in science.
Science is now the most popular subject at school said the Council.
"The UK is world leading in science and engineering research and it's great to see more students choosing to study subjects in these areas," said Delpy. "It reflects the positive impact that science and engineering has on our society and we must encourage students to continue this tradition."