LONDON, Ont. — Eighty-seven percent of Canadians surveyed agree it is important to increase diversity and inclusion in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) jobs, according to the most recent 3M State of Science Index report.
The global survey for 3M’s 2021 State of Science Index was conducted February 2 to March 23, 2021, and included 1,000 Canadian adults among the participants.
According to the study, 50% of Canadians believe more diversity equals greater global collaboration, followed closely by 47% who feel diversity and inclusion will result in more innovative ideas.
Sixty-eight percent of Canadians surveyed acknowledge underrepresented minority groups often do not receive access to STEM education, says the study.
“Diverse experiences and perspectives working together leads to more effective solutions,” said Penny Wise, president of 3M Canada, in a press release. “The 3M State of Science Index results underpin the need to unite educators, government, corporations and families, to ensure underrepresented students have equal access to STEM education.”
Other findings from the study include the following:
- 93% of Canadians recognize scientists as being critical to our future well-being in light of the pandemic;
- Most Canadians (89%) believe science gives hope for the future, and 85% are hopeful 2021 will be a better year than 2020 because of science;
- Students would be more inspired to pursue STEM if they had a better understanding of the different career opportunities in science;
- 44% of Canadians are more inspired to pursue a STEM career due to the pandemic;
- Nearly two-thirds (63%) of Canadians report the Covid-19 pandemic has made them more environmentally conscious; and
- Across all generations, 90% of Canadians believe people should follow the science to help make the world more sustainable.
The Canadian findings from the study can be found here. The full global data, which includes survey responses from 1,000 participants in each of 16 other countries, can be found here.
