Research Councils UK (RCUK) has today (29 April) launched a
survey for PhD graduates to examine their career pathways, their impact in employment, and how their skills contribute to innovation and growth.
Doctoral graduates from 2003-04 to 2005-06 are invited to take part in the survey over the next five weeks to gain a better understanding of the real impact of doctoral training over the medium to long-term.
Questions focus on the importance of research skills and expertise developed during doctoral training in gaining employment; the extent to which the doctoral degree experience enabled graduates to progress towards their long-term career aspirations; the relevance and importance of their doctoral training in contributing to key activities in their roles.
Professor Rick Rylance, Chair of RCUK, said: “Supporting the achievements of PhD researchers, including their impact on society and the economy, is a key objective across RCUK. Having this information will establish the extent to which doctoral training spurs innovation and growth as many claim. The findings from this survey, and the further research of which it is a part, will yield important information about research postgraduate development, their career trajectories and how they use their expertise.
“The Research Councils and others interested in postgraduate training want to know what graduates with research degrees actually do: is a PhD necessary for their jobs? How do their skills help them and their employers across all areas, whether in business, academia, public service or the third sector?”
Alongside the survey, a number of graduates will be taking part in in-depth interviews and the findings of the study will be published by the end of 2013 and will develop a sustainable research tool that could be used again to help fill gaps in evidence.
RCUK, together with the UK funding councils, have commissioned the research consultancy CFE to carry out the study in partnership with the Higher Education Careers Services Unit (HECSU) and Sheffield University.
The survey closes on 31 May 2013.
- ends -
Further information
Contact:
Alexandra Saxon
Head of Communications
Tel: 01793 444474 or email: Alexandra Saxon
Notes to editors
The survey is available at
www.snapsurveys.com/swh/surveylogin.asp?k=136698381509
Read the latest blog about the doctoral cohort study at
http://blogs.rcuk.ac.uk
-
Research Councils UK (RCUK) is the strategic partnership of the UK's seven Research Councils who annually invest around £3 billion in research. We support excellent research, as judged by peer review, that has an impact on the growth, prosperity and wellbeing of the UK. To maintain the UK’s global research position we offer a diverse range of funding opportunities, foster international collaborations and provide access to the best facilities and infrastructure around the world. We also support the training and career development of researchers and work with them to inspire young people and engage the wider public with research. To maximise the impact of research on economic growth and societal wellbeing we work in partnership with other research funders including the Technology Strategy Board, the UK Higher Education funding bodies, business, government, and charitable organisations. www.rcuk.ac.uk.
The seven UK Research Councils are:
- Arts & Humanities Research Council (AHRC);
- Biotechnology & Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC);
- Economic & Social Research Council (ESRC);
- Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC);
- Medical Research Council (MRC);
- Natural Environment Research Council (NERC);
- Science & Technology Facilities Council (STFC).