SA producing too few PHDs: Pandor

[Bar0n]

How about we get people to invent round wheels(academics), and others to build it?

More academics -> more research -> more knowledge -> better processes and technologies.

Instead of round wheels, we now have anti-gravity propulsion.

 

[Messugga]

I thought about doing my PHD but it doesn't seem worth while currently. You work your butt off for several years and get paid peanuts, unless you're in a position where you can work as a lecturer or something similar. I'd think most people would rather be in business earning multiple times more per month.

 

[Devill]

I know you're joking but for those who don't get it, it's like building around existing foundations not from the roof. Brown fields project for the engineers on the board as opposed to green fields.

I agree that the "high-end eduction" could do with more funding, I do however know that SA needs to do something about the foundation that education has been built on else there will be even larger divide between classes in the future and then having 6000 PhDs a year will mean jack.

If people can not see that then it is just another example of the educational system failing them

 

[OzzieCapie]

Many PhDs over here that have moved out of research. Most of the recruits in our company are now PhDs, in technical/commercial roles. We have just hired two recent PhDs in NSW and Vic...and one to be hired in Qld now too. Five in total in our team of ten in NSW.

Even a bigger problem to waste all that money on a PhD for 'me too' research, then they dont stay in research.

A lot of innovations are devised and implemented by 'doers' and risk takers. Granted, you need loads of beavering away in a lab to develop the next drug breakthrough etc, but the PhD is just a consequential outcome.

 

[R13...]

Many PhDs over here that have moved out of research. Most of the recruits in our company are now PhDs, in technical/commercial roles. We have just hired two recent PhDs in NSW and Vic...and one to be hired in Qld now too. Five in total in our team of ten in NSW.

Even a bigger problem to waste all that money on a PhD for 'me too' research, then they dont stay in research.

A lot of innovations are devised and implemented by 'doers' and risk takers. Granted, you need loads of beavering away in a lab to develop the next drug breakthrough etc, but the PhD is just a consequential outcome.

Banks and management consultant offer them fat salaries and most but the quintessential eccentric lab rat accept. I know that two of my former lectures started their own companies. Entelec & Poynting - started while they lectured.

 

[The_Unbeliever]

Dear Minister

***

kthanxbai

 

[Bar0n]

Banks and management consultant offer them fat salaries and most but the quintessential eccentric lab rat accept. I know that two of my former lectures started their own companies. Entelec & Poynting - started while they lectured.

You can stay in academia and simply do some occasional consulting work for big companies for a bonus.

 

[Humberto]

Over a million rand per PhD per year? Seriously?

I suspect they're looking at the total cost, i.e. they have to invest in every part of the education continuum, starting at school level already, and increase student numbers at all undergraduate and postgraduate levels, to eventually get those 6000 PhDs per year.

 

[Humberto]

And they have to invest money in getting additional academics who can supervise PhDs - they don't come cheap.

 

[Guantanamo]

What if they incentivised PhD's by offering a tax break either during their studies or based on their research (which in all likelyhood will add more tax money back into the coffers than the amount taken out due to their tax break)

 

[Messugga]

What if they incentivised PhD's by offering a tax break either during their studies or based on their research (which in all likelyhood will add more tax money back into the coffers than the amount taken out due to their tax break)

There are some rather valuable scholarships available (R200+k per year, tax free) but you're not allowed to work more than a small amount of hours per week in order to be eligible and you're not guaranteed to be granted one every year. That sort of uncertainty with regards to income doesn't fly with me. It also prevents you from getting a bond and limits access to other debt.
If something can be done about that, I suspect more people (including myself, eventually) will be motivated to attempt a PhD.

 

[Paul Hjul]

the reality is that the entire structure of funding higher education and research in SA has some gaping holes in it and increasing the PhD count won't in itself lead to building our research capacity and knowledge capital in South Africa.

- you don't need a PhD to contribute to peer review scholarship, **** you don't even need a degree.
Moreover a PhD candidate who makes no contribution to scholarship beyond their thesis has really taken on board a credential with which to increase their earning abilities, when this is done in a 3,1,2,2 progression (B,H,M,D) you really have to query the careerist incentives created. If anything we need more masters candidates and post doctoral affiliates.

 

[House]

Banks and management consultant offer them fat salaries and most but the quintessential eccentric lab rat accept. I know that two of my former lectures started their own companies. Entelec & Poynting - started while they lectured.

True, it is quite nice if you earn 200k and a bank approach you and offer you a beginning salary of 1.2 mil and a heap of other benefits - take it up - start your own business on the sideline while earning that salary and then leave in 5-10 years.