Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 30 November 2022
154. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the status of the review of State supports for PhD researchers; the terms of reference of the review; the expected timeline for the completion of the review; the membership of the review group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59789/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department will soon begin a national review of State supports for PhD researchers.
In this regard, I was pleased to recently appoint Dr Andrea Johnson and David Cagney as Co-Chairs for the review process. I do not intend to appoint any other members, but I do intend that the process will engage widely with stakeholders.
The scope of the review includes:
- Current PhD researcher supports including financial supports (stipends, SUSI supports and others);
- The adequacy, consistency and equity of current arrangements across research funders and higher education institutions, including equity and welfare considerations;
- The status of PhD researchers (student, employee) including a review of international comparators and models;
- Impact on the funding of research programmes of any adjustments to current supports;
- Graduate outcomes for PhD graduates including return on investment/benefits to the researcher;
- Visa requirements and duration for non-EU students.
The Review, informed by a robust evidence base, will be completed in early 2023.
