UK's future science skills in jeopardy, new ABPI study reveals

The UK's strength in science is eroding and science graduates are lacking the practical skills needed for industrial research, a new report by the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) has revealed. The ABPI is urging urgent action to arrest this decline.

A six-month analysis by the ABPI Science, Technology, Engineering and Manufacturing (STEM) Education & Skills Taskforce found particular shortages in chemistry, clinical pharmacology and in vivo biology. Responses from companies also report a decline in mathematics skills among life scientists and major knowledge gaps.

Real concern was expressed by industry over graduates' lack practical 'hands on' laboratory experience - an essential element for industrial scientist. There are also insufficient specialist physics/chemistry teachers and limited opportunity for work placements. Low awareness of the variety of science careers available within the pharmaceutical industry among school pupils and science graduates was another issue.

'This report serves as a call to action for society to fill the growing science skills gap,' said ABPI director of science and technology, Dr Philip Wright. 'If the UK economy, especially the research-based pharmaceutical industry, is to flourish then we need to work more intensively with government to equip the next generation with the skills to succeed.'

The report recommends:

Establishment of a school diploma in science for ages 14-19, with a vocational/practical science qualification at a similar level to A-level.

Better coordination by stakeholders of careers information so that students find out about potential careers and see the link with lessons.

A Government strategy, involving all stakeholders, for the teaching of in vivo science in the UK, from schools to universities.

A major investment in training and support for teachers via the Science Learning Centre, supported by the private sector, to update practical skills and give them confidence to develop more challenging science lessons.

An industry-wide review to co-ordinate and enhance companies' programmes of school visits, young scientist days and work placements.

The ABPI plans to introduce a new careers website to give schools access to pharmaceutical careers information.

'Sustaining the skills pipeline in the pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical industries' can be downloaded from the ABPI website: