Words by Isabel O’Brien
AstraZeneca has claimed the top spot as the most attractive pharmaceutical company to work for among UK natural sciences students in 2025, according to the latest Universum rankings.
Rising one place to number one overall, the British drugmaker has overtaken the NHS as the preferred destination for these graduates. Pfizer dropped one place to fourth, while Cancer Research UK held steady at fifth. GSK maintained its position at eighth, highlighting sustained interest in pharma and life sciences employers among future scientists.
Other organisations also featured prominently across the rankings, further reinforcing the pharma sector’s strong pull for young people. Thermo Fisher Scientific held firm at 12th place, while GE HealthCare and Gilead Sciences both secured positions within the top 50. In addition, newcomers or climbers in adjacent sectors, such as Deloitte and KPMG, suggest graduates are also weighing up scientific roles in more traditional corporate environments.
Another significant update is that the pharma and biotechnology industry was named the most attractive sector for natural sciences students in the UK, beating energy and healthcare. According to the rankings, the top attributes students look for in employers are respect, career growth opportunities and support for well-being. This is an important reminder for the sector if it wants to hold onto its position and keep attracting new generations of top talent.
