Science council statement on the visibility and perceptions of careers in science

The Science Council represents over 30 professional bodies and learned societies and more than 340,000 scientists and it is warning that current policies and workplace practices are putting the visibility, accessibility and long-term sustainability of science careers in the UK at risk.

Senior leaders from across the Council's member bodies and learned societies recently came together to address the structural barriers limiting who can enter, progress, and stay in scientific careers. While research shows young people continue to value science, the Council warns that outdated pathways and workplace norms are holding back participation just as demand for scientific talent is rising both nationally and globally.

The statement highlights the need for clearer and more accessible career pathways, including apprenticeships and technical qualifications alongside traditional academic routes. It also calls for a broader understanding of what a career in science can look like, with greater visibility of the range of roles, career opportunities and transferable skills available.

The Science Council also emphasises the importance of diversity and interdisciplinary working in building a strong future science workforce capable of responding to increasingly complex challenges.

The statement calls on Government, education providers and employers to work together to remove barriers, strengthen career pathways and ensure that science remains an open and attractive career choice for people from all backgrounds.

Science Council's statement from president's roundtable