Number of girls interested in STEM ‘jumps 50%’

The number of girls interested in STEM subjects has increased by more than 50 per cent, according to a new survey.

The study, commissioned by The Big Bang UK Young Scientists & Engineers Fair, found that a further 61 per cent of girls are “showing a keen interest” in STEM subjects.

The research, which surveyed over 1,000 parents of children aged between 11-16 in the UK, revealed that science and maths are the favourite STEM subjects for girls.

“It’s really encouraging that young people are embracing STEM at an early age,” said Dr Hilary Leevers, chief executive of EngineeringUK. “We need more young people from all backgrounds to understand the role that STEM careers play and for more of them to go on to work in science, engineering and technology.

“Social media is a great tool and has been particularly useful during the pandemic to help young people gain an understanding of STEM."


The top STEM developments recognised by young people:
1. Vaccines
2. Mobile phones
3. Artificial Intelligence
4. Prosthetic limbs
5. Virtual Reality

The top careers that children think use STEM skills are:
1. Cancer researcher
2. Robotics engineer
3. Climate engineer
4. Machine Learning Engineer
5. Gene Therapy

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