Madam, - An article on the new science budget (June 16th) reports that funding will be allocated "to boost the numbers of PhD and post-doctoral students committed to research".
As was pointed out in a previous letter to The Irish Times ("Role of post-doctoral researchers", July 15th 2005), those who have completed doctorates are no longer students. These researchers are professionals who have completed as many years extensive training as a medical doctor.
They conduct front-line research in universities, attract further research funding and often contribute to the teaching of both undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Unfortunately, your newspaper is not alone in frequently using misleading and inaccurate terminology to describe the holders of PhDs. The common use of such incorrect language is a symptom of the low esteem in which post-doctoral researchers and their work is held, and contributes to the lack of recognition of this important cohort.
I wonder how qualified solicitors would react if described as law students, despite their professional qualification and irrespective of experience. Indeed, would the editorial team of The Irish Times appreciate being referred to as cub reporters? The Government aims to double the number of PhD students, but there is little incentive for young people to enter a profession where, after lengthy and comprehensive training, their expertise will not be acknowledged and they are unlikely to receive commensurate salaries, benefits or job security. - Yours, etc,
ALISON DONNELLY, Chairperson, Trinity Research Staff Association, Trinity College, Dublin 2.