A scheme has been launched to inspire pupils to study science at school.
Information packs on the Rolls-Royce Science Prize are being distributed to 35,000 schools and colleges across the UK and the Republic of Ireland.
The award programme has been developed by the company, which specialises in power systems for aerospace, marine and energy markets, as a long-term initiative to celebrate excellence in science teaching and help arrest the growing skills shortage in science and engineering in the UK.
From 1995 to 2000, university engineering applications fell 7pc.
There has also been a huge decrease in the number of pupils studying A-level sciences between 1991-2003; 30pc in physics, 25pc in maths and 19pc in chemistry.
Sir John Rose, chief executive of Rolls-Royce said: "Businesses such as Rolls-Royce operate in intensely competitive, high technology, international markets. We need talented young scientists and engineers to ensure we remain competitive. Recent statistics show a worrying decline in the number of students studying science, engineering and technology subjects. We hope the Rolls-Royce Science Prize will help to reverse this trend and inspire more young people to be interested in science".
The Rolls-Royce Science Prize is aimed at teachers of pupils from three to 19 years, and will reward those who create inspiring science teaching proposals that address a specific need in their school or college.
The closing date is February 25, 2005.
Lending her support to the programme, Philippa Forrester, science graduate and former presenter of the BBC's Tomorrow's World said: "I support the Rolls-Royce Science Prize because I think it is important to reward good teachers who help enthuse children about science. Our children may be the Einsteins, astronauts, scientists and inventors of the future. They need to be inspired to develop a knowledge of science to take them to the next level."
Emma Medd-Sygrove, programme manager for the Rolls-Royce Science Prize, said: "The Science Prize is open to schools and colleges across the UK and Republic of Ireland including schools that support special education needs to high-ability pupil groups. Entries can form part of an existing school improvement programme and teachers from all disciplines can get involved.
"For example, if a school wants to encourage or re-ignite an interest in science, why not invite an English or drama teacher to form a team to help create interest using poetry and plays? This may help overcome hurdles such as the use of technical language or jargon that may stop some children taking an interest in science further.
"We want to demonstrate to young people how interesting science careers can be. Studying science can expand future career opportunities across the board from working in the media and the film industry to aeronautical engineering".
Head teachers will be sent an information pack. Teachers can also review information on the Rolls-Royce website www.rolls-royce.com