IT'S great to see young students from Northern Tasmania being encouraged and supported to explore innovation in the Tasmanian Science Talent Search (The Examiner, August 27).  Our community has a proud history of being an educational crucible of scientific and technological creativity and ingenuity. Historically we have been leaders in innovation, being the first in this region to pioneer the use of anaesthetics, and also leading the way in hydro- electricity and the establishment of the underground sewer. Recently, Elizabeth Blackburn, Nobel prize-winning biologist, received an honorary degree from the University of Tasmania. Here she stated that the honour really went to the education that she received in Tasmania, and credited her teachers and mentors. With further support for youth and education, their best ideas will be enabled rather than stifled. This way Northern Tasmania can continue to inspire and lead scientific breakthroughs. - VIVIENNE GALE, Launceston.