- A fifth of East Anglian students don’t feel smart enough to pursue a career in science
- Only 24% would consider a job in the field of science
A new study by Roche, a leader in pharmaceuticals and diagnostics which employs more than 90,000 people globally, looks at the reasons why students are turning their backs on science. The research reveals that whilst 91% of teenagers aged 14 to 18 from East Anglia, said they enjoy science classes, less than a quarter (24%) would consider a career in the field of science, such as medicine, research and pharmaceuticals.
The study also found that while 92% of children say that science is “fun”, interest drops into a black hole when it comes to turning that enjoyment into a career choice – even though nearly all children surveyed (99%) believe that studying the subject would lead to great job opportunities.
The reasons for this huge fall in interest seems to be complex. Almost a fifth (18%) of kids say they feel they are not bright enough to pursue a career in science. On top of this, nearly half (49%) say there are not even going to university because they can’t afford it and it’s not worth the debt.
Claire Jarvis, Pharmacist and Pipeline Lead at Roche UK said: “The UK’s position as a world leader in science innovation is at risk if the field cannot attract new talent from our schools and universities. Science underpins some of the greatest developments and discoveries in history, from penicillin to putting mankind on the moon.
“I’m privileged to work in a fulfilling and rewarding sector which has the potential to find a cure for cancer or develop medicines which can change people’s lives. It’s critical that our next generation is inspired in the right way so they can make a huge change in the world.”
Roche is inspiring the next generation of Scientists with its GenerationeXt initiative - a programme of activity that aims to inspire and motivate students to pursue a career in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM). Through a series of interactive workshops and classes, the programme aims to show the next generation how exciting and rewarding a career in STEM can be whilst giving them the potential to change the world.
* https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Nobel_laureates_by_country#United_Kingdom
About Roche
Roche is a pioneer in pharmaceuticals and diagnostics, focused on advancing science to improve people’s lives. We have created truly differentiated medicines in oncology, immunology, infectious diseases, ophthalmology and diseases of the central nervous system. In the UK we employ over 2,000 people who work hard every day to bring our medicines and diagnostics to people who urgently need them. We work from bench to bedside - researching new medicines and diagnostics, running global clinical trials, and collaborating with the NHS to try to ensure rapid uptake and delivery of our products and services.
In 2017, our total research and development investment in the UK amounted to £338million and we conducted over 181 clinical trials with 10,600 participants. In 2018, we worked together with NICE and NHS England to ensure eight of our new treatments were made available on the NHS. Our drive, every day, is to ensure our medicines reach those who need them as soon as possible.
For more information: www.roche.co.uk
About the Roche Research
Research based on a survey of 2,000 children aged 14 to 18, based in the UK by MRS accredited agency, Atomik Research in March 2019.