We can say that in total there are at least 7 million scientists around in the world. Now I have been very conservative with these numbers. The real number is probably 8 million or more.

Introduction

The exact number of scientists in the world is difficult to determine due to various factors such as the definition of a scientist, different areas of scientific research, and the dynamic nature of the scientific community. However, it is possible to estimate the number of scientists based on available data and trends in scientific research.

Estimating the Number of Scientists

1. Definition of a Scientist
- A scientist is generally considered as an individual who systematically gathers and uses knowledge through empirical and rational methods to develop explanations and predictions about the natural world.
- Scientists can be involved in various fields such as physics, chemistry, biology, astronomy, medicine, engineering, and many more.

2. Global Scientific Workforce
- According to the UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS), there were approximately 7.8 million researchers worldwide in 2013.
- This number includes individuals engaged in research and development across all fields, including natural sciences, social sciences, and engineering.

3. Distribution of Scientists
- The number of scientists is not evenly distributed across countries and regions.
- Developed countries generally have a higher concentration of scientists due to better infrastructure, funding, and research opportunities.
- Countries like the United States, China, and Germany have a significant number of scientists.

4. Growth of Scientific Community
- The number of scientists has been steadily increasing over the years due to advancements in technology, increased availability of education, and expanding research opportunities.
- As scientific knowledge expands, new fields of study emerge, leading to the need for more specialized scientists.

Conclusion

While the exact number of scientists in the world is difficult to determine, it is estimated that there were approximately 7.8 million researchers worldwide in 2013. This number is likely to have increased since then due to the growth of the scientific community. However, it is important to note that the distribution of scientists is not uniform across countries and regions, with developed countries generally having a higher concentration of scientists.