Pay more attention to the recruitment of students and researchers

(13.11.2012)

“I fully agree with the Academy’s report on the state of scientific research in Finland 2012: one of the ways to raise the level and competitiveness of Finnish science is to further develop the recruitment of students and researchers at institutes of higher education and research institutes. However, the impacts of this development won’t be visible straight away, but gradually,” says Kaija Holli, Chair of Universities Finland (UNIFI) and Rector of the University of Tampere.

Holli highlights doctoral education as an important development target. In fact, Finnish universities are already in the process of tackling this issue, each at their own pace.

It seems likely that universities will introduce an application procedure for entry into doctoral education. At the same time, the number of doctoral student slots will decrease. Steps will be taken to secure funding to enable a four-year completion rate for doctoral students and guarantee adequate supervision. There will also be more theory-based education, provided in a timelier manner, which will speed up the dissertation process.

“In other words, only the best applicants will gain entry to doctoral education. Writing a dissertation won’t take forever; instead, the research career will kick off at an early stage – at least for those who will choose that path,” explains Holli, describing the objective of the development of doctoral education in Finland.

Make the research career clearer

More attention should be paid to the selection of postdoctoral researchers and early-stage professors, says Holli, since this could help strengthen the international dimension of the Finnish research system. This suggestion is in line with the proposals presented in the Academy’s report `The State of Scientific Research in Finland 2012´.

“The tenure-track system brings a noticeable improvement to the position, career advancement opportunities and performance of postdoctoral researchers. Many Finnish universities have already introduced tenure-track-schemes or are about to do so. Some universities, however, still have to grapple with tight financial constraints before they can adopt such systems at a comprehensive level.”

Another key point is international networking, and conducting research abroad. Holli would encourage all researchers to be active in international arenas; it has definite impact on the rate of scientific publication and the availability of new career opportunities.

“Yes, funding instruments are important, but when you’re out there in the world, you also need strategic partners to facilitate exchange and collaboration,” Holli adds.

Recruitment and career opportunities in research are topical issues also due to the fact that a great number of professors will retire over the next few years.

Holli explains: “With the retirement of such a committed and internationally well-networked generation of researchers, there may very well be a temporary slump in the rate of scientific publication. This is why it’s important to keep young researchers eager and motivated, and the best way to do it is to maintain favourable circumstances.”

Meanwhile at Tampere

The University of Tampere has already undergone an overhaul of its doctoral education and has adopted a tenure-track system. The University has made a clear-cut decision to further increase investment in doctoral students.

“Doctoral students previously placed in Academy of Finland graduate schools will continue their studies, and the University will pay their salary as it would that of any other doctoral students – as long as there’s enough funding. So, instead of grants, dissertation workers will receive a salary, whereby doctoral students will be treated as employees of the University, with all the same benefits as other university employees. Some students will still receive grants from external sources and will thus use those grants to work on their dissertation,” says Holli, describing the system in use at the University of Tampere.

Holli also expresses some concerns about what is stated in the Academy’s report on the state of scientific research: that only less than 20 per cent of Finnish researchers have earned a doctoral degree. Of course, the situation is better at universities, but Tampere has nevertheless committed to investing in high-quality researchers. Another goal is to pool research into larger and stronger components.

“Many problems and bottlenecks occur at a local level. Solving them might not require a huge amount of additional resources, but you always need at least some money.”

Quality, says Holli, is at the core of the mission to develop recruitment practices. “It’s simple, really. Make the criteria and minimum requirements clear and transparent; adopt international and internal research evaluations; and simplify and streamline administrative processes.”

Original text: Paula Böhling