Here to address more than 800 researchers and students at the first Molecular Frontiers Forum in Singapore, the leaders in molecular science will present the latest developments in research into tiny atoms and their applications.

Among the audience at the forum at the Biopolis today will be about 300 students and teachers from secondary to university levels.

Scientists at the forum, including the Nobel laureates, will discuss the contribution of chemistry and molecular sciences to society.

They will also speak to teachers about nurturing a new generation of young scientists.

The scientists are concerned that not enough young people are venturing into the sciences and staying in the field.

One of the speakers, Professor Bengt Norden, chairman of the Nobel selection committee for chemistry, said this is most evident among youth in developed countries.

'In Mexico, when I gave a talk to high school students on a Saturday evening, there were at least 300 crammed into the room and another 300 outside, trying to listen in.'

On the other hand, such a turnout in a developed country was unlikely.

Prof Norden said much must be done to upgrade teachers so that they are not intimidated by science, and to stimulate the imagination of youth with science fiction movies, books and the Internet.

Prof Norden, who is also head of the Molecular Frontiers Foundation, a think-tank that studies ways to engage children in science, said: 'We are using the Internet and blogs to try to connect young people.

'So, for example, a 12-year-old in Japan might have a scientific idea to which a girl in Sweden might have a suggestion to contribute. This interaction can bring youth around the world together.'

In Singapore, outreach programmes to interest youth in science have been implemented in earnest. One organisation which does this is the Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology or IBN, the host of the two-day meeting.

Said its executive director Jackie Ying: 'We hope to inspire and nurture the next generation of young scientists. This meeting will enable them to interact with pioneers behind some of this century's key discoveries.'

In August last year, IBN helped launch the Molecular Frontiers Summit, a contest inviting children as young as 12 to compete for a prize for the best question that could lead to a scientific breakthrough.

A total of 40 young winners will fly to Stockholm in May to receive their prize worth US$500 (S$716) each, from The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, which selects the world's Nobel laureates.

Prof Norden will chair a panel discussion on how to win a Nobel prize at today's meeting.

On whether Singapore will have its own laureate, Prof Norden said what was more important was 'reaching out to the creativity and the ideals of youth to make great scientists who want to make a difference'.

Local scientists agree. Executive director of the Genome Institute of Singapore, Professor Edison Liu, noted that no Nobel laureate pursued science for money or glory but became famous because they were interested in research.IBN's Professor Ying said passion is needed in science as a lifelong career.

A symposium organised in collaboration with the Molecular Frontiers Foundation was held yesterday.

skesava@sph.com.sg