Completed in 2020, following the 2013 ESEC1 and the 2017 ESEC2, the ESEC3 survey gathered data from graduate and early-career chemists on the employment landscape of the discipline. The survey was led by Professor Reiner Salzer in close collaboration with Dr. Nineta Hrastelj, Secretary General of EuChemS, and it was supported by the American Chemical Society (ACS), the EuChemS Young Chemists’ Network (EYCN), the European Federation of Managerial Staff in the Chemical and Allied Industries (FECCIA) and the European Chemistry Thematic Network (ECTN).
Two journal articles were published discussing the survey’s conclusions. The paper “European Employment Survey for Chemists (ESEC3) Careers of Chemistry Graduates in Europe” addressed topics such as career prospects, student mobility, and the decisions graduates make regarding to moving towards industry or academia. The article “Employment Survey for European Chemists (ESEC3) How Diverse is Europe’s Chemical Workforce?” tackled ESEC3 results related to the many facets of diversity, such as gender, ethnic background and sexuality amongst others. It addressed discrimination and gender issues as well. The brief summaries of the results can be read here, and you can learn more about all ESEC surveys here.
The preparations for the 4th survey are ongoing – so keep an eye out for more info on ESEC4, which will be conducted in 2025. You will be able to find details on the above link in the near future.