To mark National Science Week 2025, the Australian Council of Deans of Science (ACDS) is urging Australians to recognise the vital role of university science education in driving innovation, boosting the economy and shaping better decisions across all sectors.
From research labs to boardrooms, science graduates bring adaptability, problem-solving skills, and critical thinking to industries as diverse as policy, law, business, and technology. And science literacy isn’t just for scientists — it’s a must-have for leaders in every field.
Read why ACDS says universities, governments, and families must back science education as a foundation for Australia’s prosperity and resilience.
Australia Needs to Revalue the Science Degree – Here’s Why
By the Australian Council of Deans of Science – August 2025
In an era defined by climate change, technological disruption and global uncertainty, Australia needs more science graduates—not fewer. Yet science degrees remain underappreciated by many students and parents, for whom a career pathway in engineering, health or law often seems clearer. This perception is misleading and dangerous. As we celebrate National Science Week 2025, let’s reframe this perception.
Science Graduates Are Everywhere
Contrary to popular belief, science graduates are not confined to laboratories. Most work in business, government, policy, education and technology. The career outcomes for science graduates are very good, with 89% of science graduates in full-time paid work three years after graduation, according to the Graduate Outcomes Survey. Many pursue further study, leading to specialised roles in research, policy and innovation.
Science degrees produce versatile thinkers. Employers value adaptability, problem-solving and digital literacy—skills embedded in science education. An exciting initiative is the introduction of STEM Stream by the Australian Public Service, a program designed to give science graduates employment experience across multiple fields.
Science Is a Civic Skill
Science literacy is not optional: it is essential for lawyers drafting environmental legislation, accountants assessing sustainability risks and business leaders navigating technological change. Yet around 90% of university students are non-science majors. Science literacy is about rigorous, creative, systematic thinking and problem-solving—attributes that are critical in every profession. We should encourage every student—regardless of discipline—to engage with science at least once during their degree.
The National Assessment Program for Science Literacy found that students who engaged more frequently in critical and creative thinking activities had significantly higher science literacy. Science isn’t just about knowledge—it’s about the ability to reason, evaluate evidence and make informed decisions in a complex world. A science-literate population will be better able to analyse data and identify misinformation, leading to better decisions on issues such as vaccination, climate change and renewable energy.
Science Tackles the Big Problems
Science graduates are at the forefront of solving global challenges. From climate modelling to food security, they employ tools like data analytics and systems thinking to shape policy and drive innovation. Programs like Monash University’s Bachelor of Science Advanced – Global Challenges and Curtin University’s Bachelor of Multidisciplinary Science are training students to apply science in business, government and community settings to address issues like climate change and sustainable development.
These graduates may not follow a linear career path—but that’s precisely the point. The problems they face are complex, interdisciplinary and evolving. So too must be their education.
A Foundation for the Future Economy
According to a report commissioned by the Office of the Chief Scientist and the Australian Academy of Science, advanced physical and mathematical sciences contribute directly around 11% of GDP annually to the Australian economy. When flow-on effects are included, the total economic impact expands to 22% of national economic activity. Science graduates are not just employable—they are essential to national prosperity.
Universities across Australia are mainstreaming interdisciplinary, project-based learning models that bring together students from science, business, health and the humanities to solve real-world problems. These approaches prepare graduates for the modern workforce, where collaboration across disciplines is key to innovation and impact.
As Deans of Science, we are continuing to evolve science degrees by enhancing professional skills such as communication, cultural competency and work-integrated learning in science courses to strengthen the foundation of life-long learning for our graduates.
A Call to Action
If we want to inspire future generations, we must reframe how we talk about science degrees. They are not fallback options or stepping stones—they are launchpads. Our political leaders should promote science as a foundational skill for all. We encourage all students in vocational degrees (e.g. law, business, education) to study at least one semester of science at university. Governments should invest in science education and career support. And parents should see science not as a career risk, but as a future-proof choice.
Australia doesn’t just need more scientists. It needs more people who think like scientists.
