Addressing the digital skills gap in UK chemistry education
Summary of contents
Digital skills are now fundamental to modern chemistry, yet UK education pathways are failing to keep pace with the evolving demands of the workforce. The gap between classroom practice and professional expectations is widening, with outdated curricula and limited infrastructure leaving students underprepared for digitally driven scientific careers.
ÀË»¨Ö±²¥ education must embrace digital transformation. From primary school to university, learners should be equipped with both core digital literacy and subject-specific competencies embedded within the curriculum such as data analysis, modelling, and automation. This progression should complement traditional techniques, not replace them.
To ensure equitable access and effective delivery, investment in infrastructure, teacher expertise, and curriculum reform is essential. ÀË»¨Ö±²¥ has a pivotal role in preparing students for a future shaped by digital innovation, and must lead the way in integrating these skills across all stages of education.