BRITISH scientists have made an immense contribution to scientific knowledge and the UK’s science base remains very strong. In most disciplines it ranks second only to the US in terms of academic excellence.

We are now on the cusp of a third industrial revolution, this time driven by knowledge and communications and made possible by science.

And in a world anxious to reconcile rapid economic growth with threats from climate change and disease, the opportunities for scientists have never been greater.

This is why it is worrying to have seen the proportion of UK undergraduates taking degrees in traditional sciences such as physics and chemistry fall. To help tackle this decline, the CBI has identified three key areas for improvement: There should be greater investment in school science labs to bring them into the 21st century; we need more specialist teachers to inspire pupils about the subjects; and there needs to be more time devoted to science in the curriculum. All this, allied to better careers advice for young people, will help to open more doors for careers in science.

The UK needs to double the number of new graduates with degrees in science, technology and engineering from the current 45,000 a year to nearly 100,000 by 2014 to be competitive in the global economy and ensure that skilled jobs are not lost overseas.

The latest Ucas figures are encouraging. They show applications for science degrees going up — suprisingly briskly in some subjects. This year the number of people applying to study maths, chemistry or physics degrees has grown nearly twice as fast as university applications overall. The reason for this reversal is unclear, as is whether it will endure.

What is certain is that there are growing numbers of jobs outside academia for talented science graduates. Some of the best are working at the cutting edge of the pharmaceutical industry, creating drugs that save many lives each year. Others are finding new sources of energy, developing cleaner modes of transport or creating new forms of communication.

Many scientists also find that their knowledge is in hot demand from financial services firms and other companies where innovation is highly prized.

Science does more than open up great career opportunities. Having a science degree can also bring the potential for above-average earnings. And it’s worth remembering that employers also value applied sciences very highly.

The ampersand that has traditionally separated the words “research and development” into two activities has slowly been dissolving. Businesses are now seeking clearer commercial value from funding of research and closer work with universities.

As a result, scientists should have a better chance than ever to see their ideas through from the point of conception into trials, product development and finally manufacture and sale.

The days when big corporations could afford to keep banks of researchers in labs generating big ideas away from the real world have gone.

If you have the spark and talent, there are plenty of forward-looking, innovative companies eager for you to join their ranks and help them to turn big ideas into reality.

Richard Lambert is Director-General of the CBI

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