Cambridge University is facing a talent crisis due to significant PhD funding reductions, threatening its ability to retain top minds and drive innovation.
The University of Cambridge is at risk of losing ‘unbelievable talent’ due to a significant drop-off in PhD funding, according to Vice-Chancellor Deborah Prentice. This warning comes as the university is set to play a key role in the government’s growth agenda, with plans for ‘Europe’s Silicon Valley’ in the corridor between Cambridge and Oxford.
PhD students are the lifeblood of the university’s research and innovation work, according to Prentice. They are critical to the education mission, powering the research mission, and driving innovation. In fact, only about 15% of Cambridge‘s PhD students remain in academia, with the rest going on to power the knowledge economy.
Preentice expressed concern that funding from research councils had ‘dropped off significantly’. This is a major priority for her, and she hopes to address it in the next fundraising campaign. The university’s £4.2bn endowment fund and income from Cambridge University Press and Assessment have largely protected it from financial difficulties.
PhD funding refers to the financial support provided to graduate students pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree.
Common sources of PhD funding include research grants, teaching assistantships, and scholarships.
According to a survey by the Council of Graduate Schools, 64% of PhD recipients in the US received some form of funding during their graduate studies.
The average annual stipend for PhD students in the US is around $19,000, with tuition fees often waived or partially covered.
The new partnership with the government is seen as an opportunity for Cambridge to play a key role in driving growth and innovation. Prentice was ‘thrilled’ to be working closely with the government on its industrial growth strategy, which includes plans for a flagship startup and innovation hub at the centre of the city.
The Cambridge Government Partnership is a collaborative initiative between the University of Cambridge and local government agencies.
Established in 2013, it aims to foster innovation, knowledge exchange, and economic growth through joint research projects and initiatives.
Key areas of focus include urban planning, climate change mitigation, and public health.
The partnership has led to numerous successful projects, including a smart city initiative and a sustainable transportation plan.
With over $10 million in funding secured, the partnership continues to drive positive impact on local communities.
Prentice‘s two other main concerns are the affordability of Cambridge for young academics and maintaining global competitiveness. She acknowledged that the university faces enormous financial difficulties, but expressed hope that the new partnership with the government would herald a golden era for Cambridge.
The vice-chancellor also highlighted the issue of a gender attainment gap in the awarding of firsts, with men significantly more likely to gain the highest class of degree. This is not unique to Cambridge, as Oxford has a similar problem. Prentice described this as ‘shocking’ and said that the university must look closely at it to understand how it’s being produced.
The Cambridge gender attainment gap refers to the disparity in academic achievement between male and female students at the University of Cambridge.
According to a 2020 report, women made up 64.3% of undergraduate students but only 53.4% of first-class honors recipients.
The gap is particularly pronounced in certain subjects, such as mathematics and computer science.
Research suggests that unconscious bias and stereotypes may contribute to this disparity.
Efforts are being made by the University to address these issues and promote greater equality.
Preentice‘s priorities are clear: her people, her talent. She wants to attract the very best talent to power the push forward in AI and other areas. With PhD funding a major priority, Cambridge is poised to face its challenges head-on and continue to be a leader in research and innovation.
- theguardian.com | Cambridge risks losing ‘unbelievable talent’ amid PhD funding cut
