Economic importance of the chemical sciences

The UK chemical industry has a turnover in excess of £50 billion, supplies thousands of jobs and is one of the UK's top manufacturing industries*. Manufacturing is also the UK's main exporter, with an annual trade surplus of just under £5 billion*. Therefore, the chemical sciences are vital to the continuing success of the UK economy. 

And its not just chemical scientists that benefit from their degree in the chemical sciences. In addition, research by the RSC shows they tend to earn greater salaries than other graduates which in turn leads to additional taxation revenues for the government that ultimately benefit us all.

In addition, the chemical sciences will be able to answer many of challenges of the 21st century. These include:

• improving health protection and care
• reducing the energy demand of domestic living
• countering the depletion of natural resources
• helping to manage water resources effectively   

*CIA (2006) Facts and Figures