The survey, conducted jointly by Prospect and the Association of University Teachers (AUT), will be launched at a press conference taking place at 10.30am on Tuesday, March 22 in the Grimond Room at Portcullis House, Westminster.

The aim of the survey was to find out what motivates members in their professional life, how they view the prospects in their sector, their aspirations for the new parliamentary term, and the contribution that their work will make to its success. The unions argue that these are not issues for a single government department but are of key relevance to political, economic and social decisions right across government.

Speakers will include:

• Dr Ian Gibson MP, chair of the Commons’ Science and Technology Select Committee
• Sue Ferns, Prospect Head of Research and Specialist Services
• Jonathan Whitehead, AUT Head of Parliamentary and Public Affairs

Speaking before the event, Dr Gibson said: "The need for good research to give us accurate information is paramount in government decision making. Without well-trained independent minds this won’t happen. I welcome this report which points up the dearth of support in some parts of our education process."

Responses highlighting the concerns of members included comments such as:"I increasingly feel that stopping the pretence that we are teaching science at an appropriate level would be the most important contribution that I could make, by finding another career in another profession."

"Paying scientists properly – the people who should be going into scientific careers would be mad to do so on current salaries and responsibilities."

Copies of the survey will be available at the launch.