Plight Of The Postdoc

by Sheril R. Kirshenbaum     Department: Science & Society

Regular readers have followed my investigation of the the arduous road ahead for many early career scientists.  I've posted troubling figures and statistics while exploring the state of funding and future for science in the United States. 

Today at Science Progress, I've composed a column called 'Plight of the Postdoc: Is modern American science strangling its young talents in the cradle?'   Here is an excerpt:

Thus, the frustrating pursuit of funding in science severely constrains productivity and creative departures--and the United States will suffer from the loss of a healthy research enterprise if job market, tenure, and funding patterns continue to prevent innovative young researchers from pursuing their most daring ideas. While we obviously need to create some hurdles so as to identify the most gifted and dedicated minds, our current model goes far beyond a reasonable winnowing process. Even the most promising young scientists, those with the natural ability and discipline to fulfill their potential and become tomorrow's leaders in innovation--an eventually upon which the nation's future depends--are struggling.

You can read the entire column here.

Tags: education, funding, research