Scotland has a proud tradition of science research and innovation, but this tends to be exclusively found in its main universities.
In the post-war years, and up to the early 1990s, Scotland was producing more than its fair share of science and engineering graduates; it was seen a popular and challenging option, although mainly among males.
Now, proportionately more children at Scottish schools are perceived to be indifferent to the challenges that science presents.
Older science teachers at Scottish schools are not being replaced in the number needed.
The organisation was announced in August 2001, and founded by the Royal Society of Edinburgh, with funding from the Scottish Executive.