New ESEC3 publications shed light on careers and diversity amongst chemists

Jun 4, 2024

The 3rd Employment Survey for European Chemists was completed in 2020. Led by Professor Reiner Salzer in close collaboration with Dr. Nineta Hrastelj, Secretary General of EuChemS, and supported by ACS, EuChemS-EYCN, FECCIA and ECTN the survey gathered insights from chemists on the employment landscape. The conclusions of the survey were recently published in “Chemistry – a European Journal”. The data gathered were approached from two angles: graduate careers and diversity in the chemical workforce.

The article “European Employment Survey for Chemists (ESEC3) Careers of Chemistry Graduates in Europe” (Salzer, et al., 2024a) first established the high mobility amongst students: half of MSc and PhD graduates (the significant majority of respondents) spent some time away from their home country during their studies, and the largest group of doctoral students (45%) aims to  work outside of their country for a few years before returning as well. With regards to future careers, most MSc students aim to study further, while 41% plans to go to industry. Many respondents also indicated that information available on career opportunities is lacking.[NH1] 

In the same issue, the article “Employment Survey for European Chemists (ESEC3) How Diverse is Europe’s Chemical Workforce?” (Salzer, et al., 2024b) tackles ESEC3 results related to the many facets of diversity, such as gender, ethnic background and sexuality amongst others. This shows a balance between respondents (50% female, 49% male). However, issues were also highlighted, such as more women were reporting sexual harassment at work or refusing/being unable to respond than men. More than half of chemists experienced some sort of discrimination – primarily being treated as incompetent, or feeling isolated. Nevertheless, most chemists were satisfied with their jobs, and reported that it is related to their qualification.

More details on ESEC3, and the results of ESEC2 (2017) as well as ESEC1 (2013) can be found here, as well as links to the full articles with more results.

The preparations for the 4th survey are ongoing – so keep an eye out for more info on ESEC4, which will be conducted in 2025. You will be able to find details on the above link in the near future.

Salzer, R. Hrastelj, N.  Smith, A. (2024a). European Employment Survey for Chemists (ESEC3) Careers of Chemistry Graduates. Chemistry – a European Journal, e202400730 https://doi.org/10.1002/chem.202401223

Salzer, R. Hrastelj, N.  Smith, A. (2024b). Employment Survey for European Chemists (ESEC3) How Diverse is Europe’s Chemical Workforce?. Chemistry – a European Journal, e202400730 https://doi.org/10.1002/chem.202401222