Findings from the research carried out for British Science Week (11-20 March 2022) reveal regional differences in young people's enthusiasm about science.

The survey, carried out in February 2022 and ahead of British Science Week, conducted polling on a representative sample of 2,000 UK 14-to-18-year-olds to find out their perspectives on science, scientists and the ongoing pandemic. We found:

  • 51% 14-to-18-year-olds in London are more likely to consider working in a scientific field than before the pandemic. Only 37% and 38% of young people in the North East and South West of England say the same.

  • Less than one fifth of young people in the North East (17%) and Yorkshire & the Humber (19%) say a career in science would be of interest to them whereas nearly 3 in 10 young Londoners (29%) would consider it interesting.

41% of UK 14-to-18-year-olds said they were more likely to consider working in a scientific field than before the start of the pandemic. However, there is a considerable difference between those polled within, and outside of, London. Where research and development is currently concentrated within the ‘golden triangle’ of London, Cambridge and Oxford (areas in the South East) – something the Government are aiming to address in their levelling up plans – these findings may be a cause for concern.

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