The Geological Society supports the Science Council in calling on government, education providers and employers to remove barriers, modernise pathways, and ensure that science careers are open, visible and accessible to all.
The Science Council’s Statement follows the President's Roundtable held earlier this year, where representatives from the Science Council's member bodies and learned societies, including the Geological Society, met to discuss how to overcome the significant challenges affecting the visibility, accessibility and progression of careers in science.
This reflects a collective concern that current policies and practices risk undermining the visibility, accessibility and sustainability of science careers in the UK.
Evidence shows that while young people value science, but structural barriers and workplace practices are limiting participation and progression. This poses a risk to the future science workforce at a time of growing national and global demand.
To address this challenge, the Science Council calls on the government, education providers and employers to work collectively to:
- Ensure multiple accessible routes into science, including apprenticeships and other technical qualifications to expand opportunity and complement academic pathways such as university and postdoctoral fellowships. All routes must be supported by financially viable pathways for people from all backgrounds. Diversity of people, backgrounds and thought leads to better science outcomes and solutions.
- Broaden perceptions of science careers by highlighting varied roles, pathways and definitions of success and emphasising the transferable value of scientific skills and the diverse ways in which careers in science can evolve over a working lifespan.
- Improve visibility of real career opportunities so individuals can clearly understand the outcomes and possibilities associated with studying science, and that new possibilities are emerging all the time.
- Strengthen interdisciplinary approaches within science to respond effectively to the complex challenges of a modern world.
- Embed work-readiness and interdisciplinary skills across science education to align with industry’s evolving needs.
- Create inclusive and supportive educational settings and workplaces that foster belonging, inclusivity, retention and progression across the science workforce.