From Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science
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Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris has today encouraged submissions on the supports the State should be providing to PhD researchers.
The Co-Chairs of the independent National Review of State Supports for PhD Researchers, Dr Andrea Johnson and David Cagney, met with Minister Harris on Thursday before launching a public consultation, which will run until 10am on Monday, 13 March.
The public consultation is an opportunity for all stakeholders and interested parties to provide their views on State supports for PhD researchers.
Speaking today, Minister Harris said:
“I always said that this review would hear from the frontline and this public consultation is an important part of that engagement.
“It is an opportunity for stakeholders – students, higher education institutions, employers - to provide their views and I encourage all interested parties to respond. The input will form an important part of the deliberations by the Co-Chairs, who will report to me by the end of next month.
“We want Ireland to be a leader in talent, so we have to ensure that our brightest talent here in Ireland can pursue their research ambitions in a supportive environment. I look forward to receiving the report’s recommendations.”
This consultation is in addition to the Co-Chairs’ engagements with representatives of PhD students, which will be held over the next fortnight. The Co-Chairs will also consult with stakeholders in a number of European systems to understand the practice in other countries.
As part of Impact 2030: Ireland’s Research and Innovation Strategy, the government committed to supporting all students as they gain the skills and experience to help them develop and succeed in the research and innovation (R&I) space.
The government also committed to working to ensure the research community is reflective of society as a whole, and that it provides opportunities for all.
Minister Harris added:
“The overarching objective of Impact 2030: Ireland’s National Strategy for Research and Innovation is to maximise the impact of research and innovation on our economy and our society.
“We are committed to investing in talent and ensuring that there are appropriate supports for researchers.”
The co-chairs will report to Minister Harris by the end of March 2023, detailing the current situation and offering short and longer term recommendations. The Minister will consider the co-chairs’ report and may bring forward proposals before the end of June 2023, depending on any recommendations made.
The preferred means of response is by an online form, although submissions may be made by email if it is not possible to respond using the online form. Please see section 2 of the consultation document for full details, and to have your say.
For more about the co-chairs and Impact 2030, please see the consultation document.