The value of quantification
A skills gap is emerging in organic synthesis that needs to be closed
It is the role of universities to train the scientists of tomorrow. This has always been a difficult challenge – and it is getting harder. The way science is conducted changing, and the pace of change itself is increasing. This can lead to skills gaps, which historically industry has plugged by recruiting based on a general aptitude, followed by providing specific in-house training.
In some areas, this still works well. However, as the skill gaps increase this strategy becomes less effective – and it’s in no one’s interest to find out later that the required aptitude or interest for areas beyond those taught are lacking. Such a gap is starting to develop in chemical process development, and needs to be addressed urgently.