Science

The science sector in Great Britain has been suffering lately, with more and more companies opting to outsource their science-based projects to countries that can offer a lower cost workforce. The UK is also continuing to hive off some of the more complex technological aspects of its scientific work, in particular. However, this is not to say that all science and technology industries in Britain are in decline. Quite the opposite, in fact! The Information Technology sector in Britain currently employs around 1.2 million people, dealing with all sorts of issues including software development and user support. Technical support staff, for instance, makes up 28% of all of those working in the IT industry as a whole.

Science-based Expansion

Science-based companies are now finding it necessary to diversify and expand their ranges to ensure that they differentiate themselves from the cheaper, overseas alternatives. In this respect, there is a much greater market in specialist products and innovative designs.

Science Studies

Traditional sciences, particularly Chemistry, are still failing to attract the number of university students that they used to, even a couple of decades ago. Worryingly, over the last decade it is estimated that around 30 universities’ Chemistry departments have closed in the UK, leaving around 40 departments still open. This dramatic drop is, in part, a reflection of the perceptions of youngsters that science now offers a less lucrative career. That said, the chemical industry employs around 200,000 people in Britain.

Science, of course, reaches much further than just pure Chemistry, Physics and Biology. Other wider areas such as Earth Sciences and The Environment continue to gain considerable interest from both the public and professionals alike. With global warming and climate change now of much greater concern, numerous government initiatives are being put in place to tackle these issues, so the challenge is set for the UK science sector!

Quality Science & Scientific Research

Standards of scientific research in the UK are very high. The UK boasts just 1% of the world’s population yet it is responsible for nearly 12% of all published scientific papers, for example. British scientists also receive around 10% of all science prizes awarded every year.

Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals

Biotechnology remains big business in the UK with the sector continuing to expand rapidly. Currently, there are around 450 companies in Britain, alone, providing biotechnology services and generating impressive total annual revenues of around £2.63 billion. Similarly, pharmaceuticals continue to go from strength to strength with around 73,000 people employed in the industry. More than a third of these are employed directly in research and development, proving once more that Britain is a world leader in scientific innovation.

Science: Research & Development

Science today is so much more than what we all learned at school. In the UK, the entire science sector is setting itself apart from its global competitors by offering value added services and innovative research and development. Provided the British education system can keep pace with innovation, Great Britain is likely to remain at the cutting edge of scientific development and science technology, worldwide.