Doctoral degrees beyond 2010: Training talented researchers for society

The League of European Research Universities (LERU) has released a paper setting out its vision for doctoral education beyond 2010.

What should a doctorate in the 21st century look like? This is not an academic question, but one that is of vital importance to employers, governments, universities and citizens in Europe. The stakes are high. If we want to maintain our prosperity, we must as a society address the grand challenges of our time – climate change, an ageing population, sustainable living, etc. Europe therefore has no choice but to invest heavily in knowledge creation and distribution. Investing in doctoral education is a key element in this strategy.

“The number of doctoral graduates that go into non-academic careers is high and continues to grow”, explains Prof. David Bogle, main author of the LERU paper and head of the Graduate School at University College London. “This indicates that there is a strong demand from the private and public sector for the skills that a doctorate instils for employment beyond the education sector”.

Gone are the days that a doctorate was an entrance ticket for an academic career. Instead it has evolved into a top level qualification that trains people to be highly creative, critical, autonomous, intellectual risk takers who push the boundaries of knowledge and innovation whatever their employment destination may be.

PhD graduates stand out in three ways: 1) by their competence – they acquire specific expertise to conduct research within and across disciplines, 2) by their achievement – they gain personal effectiveness, a problem solving attitude and leadership skills, and 3) by their social skills – they develop a team work attitude and can collaborate and communicate with specialists and non-specialists. It is the combination of these three skill sets that equips doctoral graduates to successfully apply their advanced skills in or beyond research and to take up leading roles in any employment where deep, rigorous analysis and creative thinking are needed.

The development and take up of these skills by society does not happen easily or spontaneously. It requires a strong vision, forward looking investment and concerted effort by governments, employers, universities and by talented bright minds to make it happen. Governments (national and EU) should increase the investment in Europe for doctoral education. Employers and universities should work together ensuring that rigorous research remains the cornerstone of the doctorate and that doctoral training is a suitable preparation for work in today’s world. And, not least, talented young people should be encouraged to develop the intellectual creativity, curiosity and rigour that the 21st century society needs.