science education - Science Meets Business

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.

There has never been a better time to work in science communication, but as the Executive Director and CEO of the Australian Museum – Australia’s first museum and second oldest science institution – I may be a little biased.

The popularity of science is growing thanks to the rise of social media. Translating this increased street credibility into tangible, sustainable benefits for both the Australian Museum and the scientists we employ is high on my agenda – because we can’t ask others to innovate if we aren’t innovating ourselves.

Most people only see the public facing side of the Australian Museum, for example the exhibitions and collections that are open for public viewing, and don’t know about the tremendous scientific research undertaken by the Australian Museum Research Institute (AMRI). The AMRI conducts research into pests and invasive species, which provides vital information and solutions to common problems that impact on our agricultural industries. It is also home to one of the most advanced wildlife genomic laboratories in Australia, and its experts work with customs and quarantine departments on cases involving illegally imported and exported species.

Despite the manifold practical applications of the research we conduct, many people still don’t realise that museums are deeply engaged in science and science education. Naturally, some scientists are reluctant to champion and promote the vital work that they do.

As the first person from a marketing and communications background to take the reins at the museum, I am firmly focused on communicating the work of the AMRI and the public programs at the Australian Museum. It’s my job to help identify the stories that put science in the spotlight, to educate the public on the value of science.

Forming strong relationships with the media and collaborating with the corporate world – to not only generate revenue but also to put STEM on the agenda beyond the usual circles – is a smart strategy.

The AMRI works with the airline industry on tackling problematic bird strikes by analysing tissue samples of bird remains to identify the species and determine whether the flock can be safely relocated. Recently, the Australian Museum Lizard Island Research Station, located 270 km north of Cairns, assisted climate scientists to identify the worst coral bleaching event ever reported on the Great Barrier Reef.

In the past, scientific institutions may have been reticent to form mutually-beneficial partnerships with industry, but I believe that sponsorship deals and philanthropy are key to the long-term relevance and viability of scientific organisations.

In many ways, the collection at the Australian Museum reflects the work and research we undertake. We have more than 18 million specimens and a cultural collection of more than one million objects from Australian Indigenous cultures, the Pacific Islands and South-East Asia. We also have the largest Egyptian collection in Australia.

But today, it isn’t enough to let your work do the talking. To ensure innovative STEM solutions spark ideas in the wider community and create a snowball effect, it takes the active communication of scientific research and the benefits it can provide – both from a sustainability and economic perspective. The STEM community must continue to share news of its work, to inspire and foster innovation in future generations.

Kim McKay AO

Executive Director & CEO, Australian Museum

Read next: Robert Hillard, Managing Partner of Deloitte Consulting, on Disruptive STEM.

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Science education: the hidden engine of Australia’s future