Beyond access: how socioeconomic background shapes the chemistry pipeline report
Summary of contents
Our research explores how socioeconomic background (SEB) influences undergraduate students鈥� experiences, opportunities and career trajectories in the chemical sciences across the UK. Drawing on survey data, focus groups and interviews, it shows that SEB is not a marginal factor, it is foundational.
Socioeconomic inclusion is cumulative, inequalities emerge early and intensify across an individual鈥檚 educational and career progression, shaped by belonging, opportunity, aspirations, progression and intersectional identities.
Entering a chemistry degree is an important step, but what happens next 鈥� in lecture theatres, laboratories, research groups, placements, professional networks and early career pathways 鈥� matters just as much in shaping the progression through chemistry education and into chemical science careers.
Explore the findings and recommendations on our dedicated report page.