Irish report disproves claim that science graduates earn less
Science graduates earn as much as graduates in other fields, a recent study from the Irish council for science, technology and innovation (ICSTI) has shown. Based on national data published between 1995 and 2000, an ICSTI commissioned task force on physical sciences examined salary as a possible inhibitor to the selection of science subjects at school and in science and engineering courses at university level. It found that, contrary to anecdotal evidence, average starting salaries for science and engineering graduates are competitive with those graduating in other disciplines. Dr Edward Walsh, chairman of the taskforce, says that the results of the study are important considering that: 'Salary, although rated less important by students than interest in the subject area and perceived job availability, is a significant factor when selecting a profession and career.' Dr Walsh believes that the findings should help correct the misconception that science does not pay. However, despite identifying salary as a major factor in career selection, the study suggests that it cannot explain why 50 per cent of science graduates with a primary degree leave science to pursue employment in the business, financial and engineering sectors. According to Dr Walsh, this migration trend may not be salary related at all, but a demonstration of the transferability and adaptability of the skill sets that those who pursue a science and technology qualification acquire. The study also reviewed postgraduate stipends and how they compare with starting salaries in industry. It was found that the stipend does compare favourably to starting salaries in industry. However, the deduction of postgraduate registration fees from the stipend means that when disposable incomes of postgraduate students and recently employed graduates are compared, the postgraduate student has a disposable income of 7 to 33 per cent less than the industry-employed graduates. The task force makes several recommendations based on its findings. Specifically it suggests that the findings on the competitiveness of the postgraduate stipends and average starting salary for science and engineering graduates be proactively promoted by all stakeholders, in line with the country's endeavour to increasing take-up and retention in the science and engineering subjects. In the context of one of the goals of the 2000 Lisbon strategy - maximising Europe's human capital and harnessing its research potential - the task force calls for improvements to be made in the collection of such data at national and EU level.
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Ireland