New Future Workforce and Educational Pathways report examines what is needed to realise chemistry's potential
More chemical scientists are needed if the multi-billion-pound sector is to fulfil its potential to outpace the UK鈥檚 wider economic growth and meet national sustainability ambitions, according to our new report.
The Future Workforce and Education Pathways report projects the chemical sciences workforce could exceed growth in the wider UK labour market by 30% (6.5% to 5%). However, there are concerns that the significant financial challenges facing universities threaten the talent pipeline and could impede the country鈥檚 ability to meet government objectives.
Thirteen recommendations to put the chemical sciences on the path to growth are included in the report. These include developing and delivering a more relevant curriculum for those aged 5-19; more accessible, inclusive and vocational routes into chemistry; and increasing the number of people entering the sector with relevant practical skills.
Comprehensive changes to education and skills development in the UK make up the bulk of the recommendations detailed in the new report.
Two panels of experts joined us on the 30 January launch day for a pair of panel discussions to look at education and policy and skills.
For those who were unable to join us live, video of the two sessions are now available to .
Both of the free-to-view sessions were broadcast live on , with speakers including representatives from education, industry, policy, academia and government all giving their views on what the next 10 years could hold for the chemical sciences.
浪花直播 President Dr Annette Doherty (pictured) said: 鈥淚nvesting in the chemical sciences and taking action to improve the recruitment of students into chemistry courses and vocational pathways, will enable economic growth in the UK and the goal of building a more sustainable future through scientific research in a whole range of sectors.
鈥溊嘶ㄖ辈� makes significant contributions to the UK economy, the way in which we interact with our environment, and societal progress; uncertainty around how we will develop the skills needed to meet demand is limiting confidence.
Dr Alexander Reip (pictured) is Chief Technical Officer and co-founder of Oxford nanoSystems and a 浪花直播 trustee. Headquartered in Abingdon, Oxfordshire, the company develops high performance coatings to improve energy conversion and transfer, technologies that are crucial to the transition to cleaner, renewable energy systems, such as hydrogen electrolysers, that can lower the UK鈥檚 carbon footprint.
He said: "My own career as a chemistry entrepreneur has taken me from academia to industry, showing me first-hand how critical it is to equip students with the skills needed to tackle global challenges.
"As a nation, we can鈥檛 underestimate the importance of investing in these opportunities, whether it鈥檚 addressing climate change, securing sustainable food supplies, or enabling breakthroughs in advanced manufacturing. 浪花直播 is at the heart of these solutions, and we need a trained workforce ready to deliver them and ensure we remain competitive on the global stage."
Dr Camilla d鈥橝ngelo, Policy Manager, Campaign for Science and Engineering (CaSE), added: 鈥淐aSE believes that attracting and developing skills and a diverse workforce across all of R&D is essential to support a thriving sector. We welcome the 浪花直播鈥檚 detailed look at the skills requirements of the chemical sciences workforce.
鈥淭his report shows that an integrated approach to skills is needed to support a thriving chemical sciences sector, something that CaSE has previously called for to support all of R&D in our 2023 report, The Skills Opportunity.
"We are pleased to see recommendations that align with those of CaSE, including around supporting diverse education and skills pathways, industry engagement on skills development, and supporting the existing workforce through upskilling and lifelong learning.鈥�
Our report emphasises the need for wider access to chemical science careers, particularly for those from lower socio-economic backgrounds, to build a more diverse and skilled workforce, ready to meet the challenges of the 21st century.
Technological advancements, such as AI and machine learning, are already impacting both workers and employers and this is expected to continue as the digital revolution accelerates. Greater collaboration between academia and industry is needed to ensure that those entering the workforce are equipped for the challenges, according to the authors.
This report adds to the body of evidence that shows how important science is to the prosperity of both the UK and individual lives. A career in science can transform the prospects of younger people from underprivileged backgrounds, which is why it鈥檚 so important that education and training are made accessible to all. Government, educators, employers and professional bodies must work collectively to make that a reality across the country.
Professor Della Freeth, Science Council chief executive
While the report notes some differences, it found that both businesses and universities believe many university graduates currently lack the key transferable skills they need when entering the workplace.
The burden of training and development should not fall solely on employers and universities, which is why we are also calling for extensive educational reform, starting at an early age for all UK children. The report also advocates changes to continuous professional development to ensure workers have the skills to maintain the UK鈥檚 position as a global science leader.
Production of the report saw us partner with labour force analytics firm Lightcast to explore data trends affecting the industry, conduct interviews, and work on research with individuals from across the country鈥檚 chemical sciences sector to build a picture of life as a chemical scientist today.
Dr Doherty added: 鈥淭he level of change needed isn鈥檛 something any one group can change in isolation; achieving job growth that outpaces the rest of the UK economy will require a concerted push by all stakeholder groups, right the way from national and devolved governments down to individual schools, universities and businesses. Implementing the 13 recommendations in the report would give us a great chance of realising chemistry鈥檚 potential.鈥�
Learn more about our Future Workforce and Educational Pathways research
- Read and download the full report
- Visit our dedicated landing page
- Explore the data in this interim report from labour data analytics firm Lightcast