Abused junior scientists?

[Peter Prevelige]

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John,

As I am sure you know, this is a topic of great concern, both among grad
students and postdocs, and the individuals and agencies responsible for
their training and career development. There have been a number of
careful investigations and discussions. I am a bit concerned that
anecdotes, gleaned from the internet, under the subject line of "Abused
junior scientists" for a magazine targetted at a lay audience, may lead
to an article with a very biased perspective. Frankly, it is hard for me
to imagine that any considered discussion of this issue will be of
interest to the general public, and some discussions generate more far
more heat than light.

Respectfully,

Peter Prevelige
Associate Profesor



"Davenport, John" wrote:
> 
> Dear list subscribers,
> I am a reporter at Newsweek Magazine (and former postdoc) in New York.  We
> are interested in investigating instances of exploitation or abuses of
> junior scientists (i.e. grad students and post-docs especially) -- for
> example, post-docs who have been forced to work indefinitely (perhaps for no
> or little money) because their supervisor refuses to write letters of
> recommendation.  We are especially interested in hearing of the challenges
> to female (i.e. maternity issues) and/or foreign scientists.
> 
> Do you think this is a problem?  Can you think of possible solutions?  Know
> someone who has something to say on the topic?  Please let me know as soon
> as possible.
> 
> I am very interested in making this a constructive analysis -- i.e., what is
> it about scientific culture that can be changed to make this situation
> better.  I want to hear from anyone and everyone -- junior scientists and
> PI's alike.
> 
> Please pass this message along to anyone you feel might be interested in
> contributing.
> 
> Thank you very much,
> John Davenport
> 
> John Davenport
> 
> Newsweek Magazine
> 251 West 57th. St.
> New York, NY 10019-1894
> 
> jdaven at newsweek.com
> Phone:  (212) 445-5884
> Fax:  (212) 445-5844
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