An annual snapshot of Australia's scientific workforce reveals widespread job insecurity, a sharp spike in workloads and concerns about fatigue during the pandemic.
Nearly 2 in 3 scientists say morale at their workplace has also dipped over the past year, compared to 1 in 2 in the previous survey.
The research comes off the back of figures revealing that more than 17,000 jobs were lost in Australian universities during 2020.
Chief Executive of Science & Technology Australia, Misha Schubert, says the study highlights the need for greater investment and job security in the scientific sector.