Nursing is fundamentally grounded in scientific inquiry, technological capability and advanced analytical judgement. It integrates biological and physical sciences, pharmacology, physiology, data interpretation and digital health technologies to deliver safe, effective, evidence-based care. Despite this, nursing is not currently included in the UK’s formal definition of STEM subjects (Davidson, 2020; Banerjee et al, 2024).

The realities of contemporary professional practice are that nurses routinely interpret complex physiological and diagnostic data, apply pharmacological reasoning, employ advanced clinical and digital technologies, and contribute to research, innovation and quality improvement. Developments in genomics, artificial intelligence, robotics and increasingly data intensive models of care mean the scientific and technological expertise required of the nursing workforce continues to expand.

During a House of Commons debate, it was noted that nursing is a graduate profession underpinned by STEM disciplines. Formal recognition could support future recruitment and strengthen public understanding of its scientific foundations (UK Parliament, 2016). As a predominantly female profession, STEM classification could also enhance the visibility of women within scientific fields and help address long‑standing imbalances.

Lack of recognition has implications for professional status, representation within national education and workforce policy, and inclusion in STEM related investment, innovation programmes and research agendas. This collectively influences the attractiveness of nursing as a degree choice and its competitiveness within the higher education landscape.

References

Banerjee P, Graham L and Given G (2024) A systematic literature review identifying inconsistencies in the inclusion of subjects in research reports on STEM workforce skills in the UK, Cogent Education, 11(1). doi: 10.1080/2331186X.2023.2288736

Davidson PM (2019) Is nursing a STEM discipline – Does it matter and what can we do about it? Journal of Advanced Nursing, 76(1), pp. 1–3. doi: 10.1111/jan.14212

Nursing is STEM Coalition (2023) Nursing is STEM. Available at: nursingisstem.org (Accessed 24 March 2026).

UK Parliament (2016) STEM careers: House of Commons debate Vol. 611, 26 May 2016. Available at: hansard.parliament.uk/commons/2016-05-26/debates/16052616000019/STEMCareers (Accessed 24 March 2026).