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Tertiary education is a competitive business with growing export potential. A recent report highlights the importance of postgraduate training, but governments are undermining universities' abilities to compete in an expanding market.
What do rank-and-file scientists think the aim of peacetime national science policy should be? Should it be economic competitiveness? That is not what they said the last time they were asked.
Cracks travel more slowly than standard theory predicts, and finding out why may lead to safer materials and engineering. The answer appears to be in the way a speeding crack branches.
This feature looks at opportunities for neuroscientists in the United States and Europe. In the first review, Brendan Horton looks at some of the employment options for PhDs, many of whom are overspecialized for markets outside pure research. The rewards are high for those prepared to be flexible in their approach. The second article focuses on France, Germany and the United Kingdom. Quirin Schermeier examines prospects both in the traditional research areas and outside them, for those seeking relevant careers in an oversubscribed job market.
