Reply to Hanlon: Transitions in science careers

Abstract

We thank Hanlon for his comments on our paper and appreciate his summary of our findings (1). We recognize the concerns raised regarding both research and non-research roles in science. For example, the National Science Foundation reports various estimates of the science labor force: about 6 million in “science and engineering [S&E] occupations,” about 12 million in non-S&E occupations closely or somewhat related to their S&E degree, about 17 million whose highest degree is in S&E, and about 23 million with at least 1 S&E degree (2).