Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Scientists gloomy about profession

Updated at 9:03 am on 9 February 2010

Scientists are overwhelmingly gloomy about the state of their profession.

In a questionnaire by the Association of Scientists, only 42% of the respondents said they would recommend science to young people as a career.

Many of those surveyed say they are concerned by unreasonably high levels of accountability and bureaucracy.

The survey also reveals deep discontent with the system of research project funding, with more 36% saying it would be fairer to hold a lottery for the money.

The survey was taken in 2008 and is based on 361 responses.

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