What can the granting agency do for us?

The NSF held a workshop last November on this very subject. Three weeks ago, the results were published online by an independent consultant organization as a report entitled "Postdoc Appointments: Policies and Practices. A Report on a Workshop" (HTML | PDF).

The document above addresses interesting questions like:

* Are the historical purposes and structures of postdoctoral appointments still adequate?
* Can the components of early-career-stage postdoctoral training be broadened or modified without diminishing the role of such training as a means of enhancing scientific and technological skills and knowledge?
* Should the notion of the postdoctoral training extend beyond its current focus on entry into research careers in science and engineering and offer pathways into a broader array of careers?

Happy reading!

Note: If you feel strongly about similar matters, consider joining our advocacy committee by contacting Lynn Talton.