Sir

Most UK researchers on short-term contracts, like myself, are called 'research associates', and cannot be the principal applicant (which is understandable) or even a co-applicant (which is much less understandable) on a grant application.

The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council has a 'recognised researcher' option, but the other UK research councils have no relevant mechanism at all. When it comes to applications for studentships, a research associate cannot even be mentioned.

This situation is doubly upsetting. First, when research associates come up with a good idea for a grant application, they cannot get any benefit from it. More and more universities, when they advertise for lectureships, ask for applicants with proven ability to attract external funding. Being named as a co-applicant for research grants would be useful in this regard as well as providing recognition for the work we do.

Second, university departments are losing the benefit of potential funding, as research associates are increasingly disgusted by the situation and are becoming reluctant to share their ideas with academic staff. Instead, they wait in the hope of obtaining a position that will allow them to apply for grants on their own behalf — not necessarily in the United Kingdom. Of course, some of us still participate in grant applications, but too often our names are not mentioned and we get no credit when a proposal is funded.

By writing this letter, I hope to reach as many research associates as possible, and urge them to put pressure on their supervisors to raise this matter with the UK research councils. The councils need to change their policies on grant-application eligibility in the interests of all. Young researchers should be acknowledged for their efforts, and deserve encouragement rather than being made to feel that the word 'associate' in their title is meaningless.