The UK graduate labour market is transforming, particularly in life sciences, due to AI automation that threatens up to 8 million jobs. Entry-level roles traditionally occupied by junior researchers are being replaced by AI systems that can rapidly process data and generate reports. Consequently, applications for graduate vacancies have surged by 59%. The World Economic Forum predicts a shift by 2030, with 92 million jobs displaced but 170 million new roles created, highlighting the urgent need for a fundamental capability renewal rather than simple reskilling.
Despite the ideal vision of AI augmenting human skills, most university programs treat AI literacy as optional. CognateUK, launching in 2026, aims to address this gap by creating a collaborative framework that connects education and industry, ensuring professionals are prepared for the AI-driven future. This initiative emphasizes AI fluency, human oversight, and continuous learning, establishing standards for ethical use and human capability development in the life sciences sector. Explore more at CognateUK.
