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Short-term contract is short-sighted

November 20, 2002

The Royal Academy of Engineering welcomes the House of Commons Science and Technology Committee's report on short-term research contracts in science and engineering and urges the Government, Research Councils and universities to heed its advice. The report strongly recommends that the proportion of researchers on short-term contracts should be reduced.

The harmful effects of overuse and abuse of short-term contracts for engineering researchers have long been a source of concern to The Academy. Mr Philip Ruffles, Vice-President of The Academy, said: 'Researchers who are forced into repeated short-term contracts end up feeling like second-class citizens. We have already highlighted the fact that insecurity, stress and poor prospects in research careers put off talented engineers from doing PhDs in the first place. (Academy report: 'Doctoral Level Research Students in Engineering: A national concern'). This is a serious threat to the ability of the UK to compete in a knowledge-driven world.'

Mr Ruffles was also keen to point out that extensive use of short-term research contracts can disadvantage women researchers: 'Women on short-term contracts may find it harder to work flexible hours, or even to take full maternity leave. It is difficult to take a career break when you have not been able to secure a permanent position.'

The Academy has already been taking steps to provide more stable and rewarding career routes for researchers. 'Our five-year fellowships have proved extremely successful. Both the research and the researchers benefit from having substantial funding over a realistic time-frame', said Mr Ruffles, adding that The Academy is hoping to expand the scheme in view of the high demand.

In addition, The Academy has been investigating alternative arrangements for research staff employment in university departments, including rolling contracts and 'bridging' funding between contracts to give staff greater security. Mr Ruffles explained: 'We have identified examples of university best practice and will be encouraging other universities to consider adopting similar procedures. It is simply vital that we do not allow academic engineering research to be eroded any further - we must protect the UK's capacity for wealth creation and innovation.'

ends

Royal Academy of Engineering

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