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Research Careers

Research Careers

The Roberts' Review stemmed from the Government's concern that the supply of high quality scientists and engineers should not constrain the UK's future research and development and innovation performance

In its strategy for science, 'Investing in Innovation', the government made a commitment to implement measures that were based on the recommendations made in the Roberts' Review.  The Office of Science and Innovation has been implementing those measures that focused specifically on making research careers an attractive option.  The Spending Review 2004 provided £85 million, which in addition to the 2002 settlement of £100 million a year by 2005-06 is being used to implement these recommendations.

The measures are being implemented by the Research Councils, and include:

• Increasing the average PhD stipend in areas of recruitment difficulties to £13,000 in 2005-06;
• Increasing the average Research Council postdoctoral salary by around £4000 between 2002 & 2005 with particular focus on shortage areas;
• 1,000 new academic fellowships (200 a year, each lasting five years) to provide more stable and attractive routes into academia;
• The provision of transferable skills training for Research Council PhD students and postdoctoral researchers.

The Spending Review 2004 settlement provided funds to extend the average duration of PhD awards to three-and-a-half years for Research Council-supported students.

The Research Councils will be working with the Office of Science and Innovation to consider the effectiveness of the Roberts' Review measures in supporting increased participation by high quality postdoctoral researchers.