Support for early career researchers endorsed by UK Parliamentary committee

Press release – 2 November 2012

The importance of supporting early career researchers when building scientific capacity in developing countries – and the ACU's work in this area – was recognised by a UK Parliamentary committee last week.

In its report Building scientific capacity for development, the Science and Technology Committee emphasised the importance of supporting both individuals and institutions. It cited the Foundations for the Future report, published by the British Academy and the ACU, as a source of further analysis of the challenges facing early career researchers. The Committee also underlined that universities, as well as individuals, need to be developed – 'Strong local institutions provide a good base from which researchers can build their careers'.

Dr John Kirkland, Deputy Secretary General of the ACU, gave evidence to the Committee earlier this year. In response to the report, Dr Kirkland said 'The early career phase is often a major gap in support, so it's encouraging that UK MPs recognise that there is a problem here. The ACU has been exploring practical approaches to the problem for the past five years. This endorsement is a huge encouragement'.

The Committee also described the work of the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK, whose secretariat is provided by the ACU, as 'hugely important' – reiterating the support given by its predecessor in a 2004 report for its innovative approach to tailoring new types of award to development needs.

Notes:

1. The Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) is the world's first and oldest international university network, established in 1913. A UK-registered charity, the ACU has over 500 member institutions in developed and developing countries across the Commonwealth. Drawing on the collective experience and expertise of its membership, the ACU seeks to address issues in international higher education through a range of projects, networks, and events.

2. Foundations for the Future: Supporting the early careers of African researchers was published by the British Academy and the ACU in 2012. The report offers an analysis of the challenges facing early career researchers in African universities, drawing on the discussions which led to the earlier Nairobi Report, subsequent consultations, and on parallel work by other organisations. For further information, download the report (PDF).

 3. Building scientific capacity for development is the report of the UK Commons Science and Technology Committee inquiry into science and international development.

4. The ACU submitted written evidence to the Committee's inquiry; to read the submission, visit the UK Parliament website. To read the transcript of evidence given by Dr John Kirkland, Deputy Secretary General of the ACU, visit the UK Parliament website.

5. For further information, please contact:

Natasha Lokhun
+44 (0)20 7380 6760
[email protected]