Independent report

A career in R&D: barriers to entry and retention

A report on what works to attract and retain people in Research and Development (R&D).

• From: Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
• Published: 10 February 2025

Documents

What works to attract and retain people into R&D careers

Ref: DSIT research number 2025/005

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What works to attract and retain people into R&D careers

Ref: DSIT research number 2025/005

PDF, 546 KB, 52 pages

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Details

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) commissioned this report from the Behavioural Insights Team (BIT) to better understand the barriers to attract, develop, and retain people in Research and Development (R&D) careers.

The research findings specifically consider barriers to entry and retention for people in higher education and employment and proposes solutions to these barriers.

The 4 barriers identified are:

• Barrier 1: lack of awareness and understanding of R&D
• Barrier 2: lack of diversity and inclusion in R&D
• Barrier 3: poor working conditions
• Barrier 4: skills gaps

Published 10 February 2025