FLICKR, RICHARD RUTTERThe US biomedical research landscape is in flux, and a growing number of white papers, recommendations, workshops, and editorials speak to an urgent need for fundamental changes to the systems for distributing funding, evaluating work, and training scientists. However, there’s one key group missing from many of these discussions on how to fix biomedical research: graduate students and postdoctoral researchers. While the perspective and experience of senior scientists is invaluable, it is we junior scientists who will work in the landscape shaped by these decisions. While it’s easy to feel paralyzed by uncertainty, grad students and postdocs need to, as blogger Biochem Belle has put it, “claim our seat at the table or be left behind.”
Here are three ways to do just that:
Educate ourselves
Grad students and postdocs frequently talk about workforce stability, funding structure, and training, but much of this discussion is fueled with only anecdotes and generalities. We should understand the facts about the current state of the biomedical research system and share them to enrich the discussion and empower our colleagues.
Find a positive voice
Although we are directly affected by the ailments of the system, it’s vital for us to practice speaking without bitterness. Maintaining objectivity will make it possible to discuss these issues with people outside of our immediate circles—senior faculty, administrators, and other leaders—without playing into the easily-dismissed stereotype of the disgruntled trainee. Instead, we need to find ways to engage in a positive way. We share a common vision of ...
