Current and Future Trends in Life Sciences Training: Questionnaire Study.

Area of Science:

• Life Sciences Education
• Professional Development
• Emerging Technologies in Training

Background:

• The life science industry invests billions globally in education annually.
• Continuing professional development in life sciences faces significant challenges.
• Limited research exists on the effectiveness of current and emerging training tools and pedagogies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate current pedagogies and tools in life sciences corporate training.
• To understand professionals' perceptions of emerging technologies' impact on training.
• Conducted in collaboration with the Life Sciences Trainers & Educators Network (LTEN).

Main Methods:

• Mixed methods approach utilizing surveys and follow-up interviews.
• Surveys comprised 18 broad questions with 15 subquestions across five life science sectors.
• Interviews were conducted via phone, averaging 40 minutes with 18 follow-up questions.

Main Results:

• Professionals expressed dissatisfaction with the status quo in training and education.
• Current training techniques and tools are perceived as outdated and not cost-effective.
• Respondents envision future training as more engaging and effective.

Conclusions:

• This foundational study aims to advance education and training in the life sciences.
• Identifies a need for progress and evolution in the field's educational landscape.
• Future work will focus on developing organizational strategies for implementing new training visions.