STA launches major new survey of STEM workers

A major new survey of people who work in STEM jobs will map the career paths and work conditions of STEM professionals.

Science and Technology Australia wants as many STEM workers as possible to fill in the survey.

A major new survey of people who work, or who have worked, in STEM jobs is planned to give the most comprehensive snapshot ever of the work conditions and career patterns in the sector.

The survey, by Science and Technology Australia, will ask for information on workloads, conditions, career development and the opportunities people have to move between industry and research in Australia’s STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) sector.

It will be used to inform research that has been commissioned by the Chief Scientist for the Prime Minister’s National Science and Technology Council.

“We need everyone working in STEM careers – and those who have left them – to fill out this survey to ensure Australia can recruit, retain and nurture the STEM talent we know our economy will desperately need in the years ahead,” Science and Technology Australia chief executive Misha Schubert said. “The information the survey gathers will help ensure Australia can source and safeguard the brilliant scientists, technologists, engineers and mathematicians we’ll need to build the key future industries that will shape our destiny.”

The 10-minute survey, is open until June 14.

Ms Schubert said it was important that as many STEM workers as possible used the survey to share their experiences.

Science and Technology Australia is the peak body for more than 115,000 scientists and technologists.