GREAT Group - Report from Postdoctoral Attendees at the 1998 GREAT Group Conference

Introduction and Background

Full Report Summary and Recommendations GREAT Group Postdoc Committee Web site

Ten scientists representing postdoctoral scholars from a variety of institutions across the nation convened at the 1998 GREAT Conference in Palm Springs, California, from October 9-12th to discuss common issues and to make recommendations to improve postdoctoral training programs. These scientists represent diverse training backgrounds and varying degrees of activism in postdoctoral affairs at their institutions (see Appendix A for contact list and biographies of participants). The discussion focused on four topics:

1. mentoring;
2. career development;
3. institution relationships with postdoctoral scholars; and
4. models for structure and function of postdoctoral associations.

Funding for this committee to attend the GREAT Conference was provided by the Burroughs Wellcome Fund.

Postdoctoral scholars exist under many titles at research institutions across the country. These titles may include scholar, fellow, researcher, trainee or student. The title of 'scholar' will be used in this report to refer to any scientist or trainee with a doctoral degree who is considered to receive training or professional development in partial compensation for their efforts. These scholars provide valuable assets to the mentors and institutions at which they work. Benefits provided by these scholars to their host institution include funds received for overhead and for the work conducted at the host facility, the prestige of papers published by the fellow, the training that scholars provide to staff and students and the transfer of expertise from one institution to another. Furthermore, postdoctoral scholars can provide valuable management, technical and intellectual support to the research effort.

Perhaps as a result of increasing frustration among postdoctoral scholars in recent years they have formed organizations at institutions across the nation. These organizations have addressed concerns common to many postdoctoral scholars including issues related to science itself as well as more practical issues of health benefits, child care, housing, fair employment practices, career development and access to training opportunities. In general, the organization of postdoctoral scholars has led to improved communication and administration of these trainees within their local institutions.

The purpose of this committee was to identify issues important to postdoctoral scholars and to make recommendations for good practices relating to postdoctoral training. We also provided examples of a broad spectrum of activities which have enhanced postdoctoral training at institutions across the nation. Finally, we discussed the benefits and needs for a national organization for postdoctoral scholars.

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