Postdocs in 2003

Young, aspiring researchers often have to learn the hard way when it comes to writing a killer grant application. But a range of European initiatives aims to give them a helping hand. Karen Kreeger reports.

A varied training path is trickier to navigate than traditional specialized routes — but can be more rewarding, says Myrna Watanabe

The training takes longer, but those willing to invest extra time in getting to grips with both basic and clinical research can reap the benefits, not least in job satisfaction, says Karen Kreeger.

Students starting their PhD and postdocs moving into fresh areas of research often find themselves in need of different technical skills. How does everyone get up to speed? Karen Kreeger reports.

Economic conditions are making it harder for young German postdocs to stay in their home country. But a few programmes offer some hope, says Quirin Schiermeier.

Postdoctoral associations on both sides of the Atlantic are mobilizing to tackle long-standing problems and smooth the path through this transitional phase in a scientist's career. Sally Goodman and Karen Kreeger report.

Without doing the homework, choosing a postdoc position is a bit like picking a playing card at random. Karen Kreeger advises on how to come up trumps.

Tight new security measures aimed at preventing terrorism mean that postdocs and students travelling to the United States need to make plans a long way in advance and expect delays, says Karen Kreeger.

When a postdoc has a choice about where to go for a fellowship, how much do non-scientific factors like cost of living weigh on the final decision? Karen Kreeger investigates.

Postdocs are vital to scientific research, but often miss out on the benefits available to permanent staff. Now they are banding together to improve their situation, says Karen Kreeger.