Australian scientists fear job insecurity as morale plummets amid Covid, survey finds

Professional Scientists Australia chief points to problem of short-term contracts, as one in five say they intend to leave the profession

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The coronavirus pandemic has had a stark impact on scientists, with widespread job insecurity, worker fatigue and plummeting morale prompting warnings many may leave the profession without more government support.

An annual survey conducted by Science & Technology Australia and Professional Scientists Australia found an increase in staff fatigue in 71% of respondents - up from 55% in 2020 - while almost two in three scientists reported a drop in morale.

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