Researchers from the University of Bath found that young people have more positive views of science and regard it as not only a prestigious profession but a lucrative one.
On the downside, despite their status and wealth scientists are still seen as boring geeks, predominately male, who work under great pressures and have to endure years of frustration before experiencing success.
But the majority of those questioned characterised the work of scientists as challenging, rewarding and as having the potential to improve the quality of life.
‘Still white-coated - but less weird and definitely wealthy; adolescents’ image of scientists’ by H Haste, K Rice and Y Zachariou, University of Bath. Papers available from British Psychological Society, tel: 0116 254 9568.
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