phd researcher salary us

PhD, Professor, and Postdoc Salaries in the United States

The United States is home to several of the world’s best universities making it a top destination for international researchers. Here’s a breakdown of the most common American job titles and their associated average annual salaries. All salary statistics in this article are in American Dollars (USD) and are pre-tax.

PhD Student

A Master’s degree is not always required to do a PhD in the US. Several top universities offer direct entry PhD programs. An American PhD begins with two to three years of coursework in order to pass qualifying exams. During this time doctoral students are able to develop their research interests and hone in on their thesis topic. They will then write a thesis proposal which must be approved before they can start their dissertation. Most programs require PhD students to gain two to three years of teaching experience as well, either by leading their own class or as teaching assistants for a professor. It takes an average of six years to earn a PhD in the US.

Unlike some European countries, there is no mandated minimum salary or national salary scale for PhD students in the US. PhD students ear n between $ 15,000 and $30,000 a year depending on their institution, field of study, and location. This stipend can be tax-free (if it is a fellowship award) or taxable (if it is a salary e.g from a teaching position). American PhD students are usually only paid for nine months of the year but many programs offer summer funding opportunities. A PhD funding package will also include a full or partial tuition waiver.

After earning a PhD, many researchers go on to a postdoc. A postdoc is a continuation of the researcher’s training that allows them to further specialize in a particular field and learn new techniques. Postdoc positions are usually two to three years and it is not unusual to do more than one postdoc. There is no limit on the number of years you can be a postdoc in the US. The average salary (2023 ) for postdocs in the US is $61,143 per year.

A lecturer is a non-tenure-track teaching position. They often have a higher teaching load than tenure track-faculty and no research obligations. These positions are more common in the humanities or as foreign language instructors. Lecturers hold advanced degrees, though not always PhDs. The average salary for a full time lecturer in 2021-2022 according to the American Association of University Professors was $69,499.

Assistant Professor

This is the start of the tenure track. An assistant professor is responsible for teaching, research, and service to the institution (committee membership). Assistant professors typically teach two to four courses per semester while also supervising graduate students. They are also expected to be active researchers and publish books, monographs, papers, and journal articles to meet their tenure requirements. The average salary for assistant professors in 2021-2022 was $85,063 according to the American Association of University Professors . 

Associate Professor

An assistant professor who has been granted tenure is then promoted to an associate professor. An associate professor often has a national reputation and is involved in service activities beyond their university. The average salary for associate professors in 2021-2022 was $97,734 according to the American Association of University Professors . 

This is the final destination of the tenure track. Five to seven years after receiving tenure, associate professors go through another review. If they are successful, they are promoted to the rank of professor (sometimes called full professor). Professors usually have a record of accomplishment that has established them as an international or national leader in their field. The average salary for professors in 2021-2022 according to the American Association of University Professors was $143,823. 

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PHD Researcher salary

Average phd researcher salary, how much does an phd researcher make.

Phd researchers earn an average salary of $51,634. Phd researcher salaries typically range between $35,000 and $76,000 yearly. The average hourly rate for phd researchers is $24.82 per hour. Phd researcher salary is impacted by location, education, and experience. Phd researchers earn the highest average salary in California.

Where can an PHD Researcher earn more?

Phd researcher salary estimates from across the web, average phd researcher salary by state.

The average phd researcher salary in California, Hawaii, and Tennessee are the highest in the U.S. The lowest average phd researcher salary states are Georgia, North Dakota, and West Virginia.

• County View

Highest paying states for phd researchers

Highest paying cities for phd researchers.

The highest-paying cities for phd researchers are Novato, CA, Urban Honolulu, HI, and Oak Ridge, TN.

PHD Researcher salary details

An phd researcher's salary ranges from $35,000 a year at the 10th percentile to $76,000 at the 90th percentile.

What is an phd researcher's salary?

Highest paying phd researcher jobs.

The highest paying types of phd researchers are senior scientist, scientist, and staff scientist.

Top companies hiring phd researchers now:

• Arizona State University Jobs (93)
• National Renewable Energy Laboratory Jobs (76)
• University of California-Berkeley Jobs (66)
• Vanderbilt University Medical Center Jobs (123)
• California Institute of Technology Jobs (65)

Which companies pay phd researchers the most?

Phd researcher salaries at Meta and IBM are the highest-paying according to our most recent salary estimates. In addition, the average phd researcher salary at companies like Amd and Los Alamos National Security LLC are highly competitive.

Wage gap by gender, race and education

Phd researcher salary by industry.

The average phd researcher salary varies across industries:

• The average phd researcher salary in the technology industry is $79,949, the highest of any industry.
• The average phd researcher salary in the finance industry is $52,586.
• Phd researchers in the non profits industry earn an average salary of $47,904, the lowest of any industry.

Highest paying industries for phd researchers

High paying phd researcher jobs, phd researcher salary trends.

The average phd researcher salary has risen by $8,678 over the last ten years. In 2014, the average phd researcher earned $42,956 annually, but today, they earn $51,634 a year. That works out to a 14% change in pay for phd researchers over the last decade.

Compare phd researcher salaries for cities or states with the national average over time.

Average phd researcher salary over time

Compare phd researcher salaries for individual cities or states with the national average.

PHD Researcher salary by year

Recently added phd researcher salaries, phd researcher salary faqs, what state pays phd researchers the most, how do i know if i'm being paid fairly as an phd researcher.

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PhD Salaries and Lifetime Earnings

PhDs employed across job sectors show impressive earning potential:

“…[T]here is strong evidence that advanced education levels continue to be associated with higher salaries. A study by the Georgetown Center on Education and the Workforce showed that across the fields examined, individuals with a graduate degree earned an average of 38.3% more than those with a bachelor’s degree in the same field. The expected lifetime earnings for someone without a high school degree is $973,000; with a high school diploma, $1.3 million; with a bachelor’s degree, $2.3 million; with a master’s degree, $2.7 million; and with a doctoral degree (excluding professional degrees), $3.3 million. Other data indicate that the overall unemployment rate for individuals who hold graduate degrees is far lower than for those who hold just an undergraduate degree.” - Pathways Through Graduate School and Into Careers , Council of Graduate Schools (CGS) and Educational Testing Service (ETS), pg. 3.

Average salaries by educational level and degree (data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2009-2011, courtesy of the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce):

The Bureau of Labor and Statistics reports higher earnings and lower unemployment rates for doctoral degree holders in comparison to those with master’s and bachelor’s degrees:

According to national studies, more education translates not only to higher earnings, but also higher levels of job success and job satisfaction:

“Educational attainment – the number of years a person spends in school – strongly predicts adult earnings, and also predicts health and civic engagement. Moreover, individuals with higher levels of education appear to gain more knowledge and skills on the job than do those with lower levels of education and they are able, to some extent, to transfer what they learn across occupations.” - Education for Life and Work (2012), National Research Council of the National Academies, pg. 66.

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Unlocking PhD Salaries and Opportunities

The pursuit of a PhD represents a pinnacle of academic achievement, epitomizing years of rigorous study, research, and expertise in a specific field. For many, this educational journey is a labour of love, driven by a passion for knowledge and a desire to contribute to the global pool of understanding. However, as one nears the end of this formidable academic odyssey, questions about what lies beyond the ivory tower become increasingly pertinent.

Among the myriad concerns that occupy the mind of a PhD candidate nearing graduation, one that often looms large is the financial aspect. What can one expect in terms of compensation and career opportunities after investing so much in education and research? Understanding the salary landscape for PhD holders is crucial not only for financial planning but also for making informed decisions about the direction of one’s career.

PhD salaries encompass a wide spectrum of earnings based on fields, regions, and industry choices. In academia, postdocs start at around $40,000 while tenured professors can earn $90,000 and above. Private sector salaries often range from $70,000 to well over $150,000, influenced by specialization and experience.

In this article, we delve into the multifaceted world of post-PhD salaries, exploring the diverse factors that influence earnings. From the impact of one’s field of study and geographic location to the varying opportunities within academia, private industry, and public sectors, we aim to provide insights that can assist both current PhD candidates and those navigating their early careers post-doctorate.

Join us on this exploration as we unravel the intricacies of salary expectations for those who have achieved the esteemed PhD, shedding light on the possibilities that await beyond the academic threshold. Through comprehensive analysis and a global perspective, we endeavour to empower individuals to navigate their professional journey with clarity and confidence.

Introduction

How different fields influence phd salary expectations:, how cost of living and job demand in specific regions impact salaries:, variations in phd salary based on working in academia, private sector, government, or non-profit organizations:, typical salary range for postdocs in various fields:, salary expectations for entry-level faculty positions:, salaries increase with experience and tenure:, phd salary ranges in private companies related to different fields of study:, potential salaries in public service or non-profit organizations:, comparing salaries in different countries and regions for phd holders:.

• International Factors Affect PhD Salary - Exchange Rates and Cost of Living:

Salary Comparison Table for PhD Holders

Importance of networking for better job opportunities and salaries:, encouraging ongoing skill development to stay competitive in the job market:, advice on negotiating salaries and benefits effectively:.

• Before We Conclude....

Embarking on the path of a PhD is a significant intellectual and academic commitment, representing a scholarly voyage of deep exploration and expertise acquisition in a specialized area of knowledge. It is a journey marked by tireless research, critical analysis, and the creation of original contributions to the academic community. Graduating with a PhD is a hallmark moment, but it also raises important questions about the practical implications of this significant achievement.

Take, for instance, Dr. Sarah, who recently completed her PhD in Environmental Science. After years of devoted research on sustainable agricultural practices, climate change, and environmental policy, she now finds herself standing at the crossroads of academic and professional life. Like many PhD holders, Sarah is eager to apply her expertise and make a tangible difference in her field, but she is also keenly aware of the financial considerations that come with this next step.

This article seeks to address the crucial and often intricate matter of post-PhD salaries. It aims to unravel the enigma surrounding the financial aspect of life after the doctorate, a subject that is of paramount importance to those who have invested years in pursuit of advanced education. The purpose here is to shed light on the salary expectations that individuals with a PhD can anticipate across various sectors, fields of study, and global locations.

Just like Sarah, countless PhD graduates stand on the verge of a new phase in their careers. Understanding the earning potential, salary ranges, and factors that influence compensation is instrumental in making informed decisions. This article endeavours to provide a comprehensive guide, offering insights into the diverse avenues available for Ph.D. holders, and empowering them to navigate the professional landscape with foresight and financial prudence.

Factors Influencing PhD Salary

The field of study significantly impacts post-PhD salaries. For instance, a PhD holder in Computer Science might find higher-paying opportunities compared to someone in Sociology. This is due to the demand for specific skill sets and expertise in the job market. Let’s consider Dr. Alex, a PhD holder in Artificial Intelligence. As the tech industry continues to expand rapidly, professionals with expertise in AI are in high demand, often commanding lucrative salaries in both academia and the private sector.

Geographical location plays a pivotal role in determining PhD salaries. The cost of living, job demand, and regional economic conditions all influence compensation levels. For example, Dr. Emily, a PhD holder in Economics, might find higher-paying opportunities in urban centres like New York City or London due to the higher cost of living and increased demand for economists in financial hubs.

The industry or sector in which a PhD graduate works also heavily impacts their salary. Those in academia, while contributing to knowledge and education, may generally have different salary expectations compared to their counterparts in the private sector. For instance, Dr. Michael, with a PhD in Business Administration, may choose to work in a corporate role, often leading to higher remuneration and additional benefits compared to a position in a non-profit organization focused on social impact.

PhD Salaries in Academia

Postdoctoral positions are a common starting point for many PhD holders aiming for an academic career. Salaries can vary based on the field and location. For example, Dr. Ahmed, who completed his PhD in Biology and secured a postdoc position at a research institution, can expect a salary range of approximately $40,000 to $60,000 per year. However, in specialized fields like biomedical research, postdocs may earn higher, sometimes up to $70,000 annually.

As a PhD graduate progresses to an assistant professor position, the salary range increases. For instance, Dr. Sarah, who recently transitioned to an assistant professor role in Psychology at a reputable university, could expect a salary between $60,000 to $90,000 annually. This range may vary based on factors such as the university’s prestige, geographic location, and the demand for expertise in the field.

As faculty members gain experience and achieve tenure, their salaries typically increase. Dr. Johnson, who has been a tenured professor in Computer Science for over a decade, might earn a salary ranging from $90,000 to well over $150,000 annually, depending on the university’s profile and the region’s cost of living. Full professors, having extensive experience and research contributions, may even earn higher, especially in renowned institutions or in high-cost-of-living areas.

PhD Salaries Outside Academia

In the private sector, salaries for PhD holders can vary widely based on the industry and field of study. For example, Dr. Michael, who holds a PhD in Data Science, might secure a position in a tech company and command a salary ranging from $90,000 to $120,000 per year, given the high demand for data science expertise. On the other hand, Dr. Laura, with a PhD in Marketing, might find positions in consumer research or advertising agencies, earning a comparable salary range in a different industry.

PhD graduates often find fulfilling opportunities in government agencies or non-profit organizations. In these sectors, salaries may vary based on the role, responsibilities, and level of experience.

For instance, Dr. Patel, with a PhD in Public Health, might join a government health department and earn a salary ranging from $60,000 to $100,000 annually, depending on the specific position and location. Similarly, Dr. Nguyen, with a PhD in Education, could work for a non-profit focused on educational development, earning a salary in the range of $50,000 to $80,000 per year.

International Perspective

Salaries for PhD holders can vary significantly on a global scale. For instance, a PhD holder in Computer Science in the United States might earn an annual salary ranging from $70,000 to $150,000. In contrast, in India, a PhD holder in a similar field may earn a range of approximately $10,000 to $30,000 per year. The variation is influenced by factors such as the country’s economic development, demand for specialized skills, and cost of living.

International Factors Affect PhD Salary – Exchange Rates and Cost of Living:

Exchange rates and cost of living are crucial factors affecting salaries for PhD holders in different countries. Consider Dr. Anderson, a PhD holder in Environmental Engineering. If she relocates from the United Kingdom, where she earns £50,000 annually, to Switzerland, a country with a higher cost of living and strong currency, her equivalent salary might be around CHF 80,000. However, despite the seemingly higher salary, the increased cost of living might offset the apparent financial advantage.

Approximate salary comparison table for PhD holders based on working in academia, private sector, government, or non-profit organizations:

Please note that these figures are approximate and can vary based on several factors including location, experience, specific organization, and field of study.

Tips for Maximizing Salary Potential

Networking is paramount for advancing in any career. Dr. Rodriguez, a PhD holder in Finance, attended industry conferences, where she met professionals and academics. Through these connections, she was introduced to job openings that weren’t publicly advertised. Networking helped her secure a position as a financial consultant with a significantly higher salary than she initially anticipated.

Continuous learning and skill development are essential to stay competitive. Dr. Chen, a PhD holder in Artificial Intelligence, regularly took online courses to enhance his programming and machine learning skills. His dedication to staying updated with the latest technologies made him an attractive candidate for a leading tech company, and he was able to negotiate a higher salary based on his specialized expertise.

Dr. Davis, a PhD holder in Business Administration, stressed the importance of negotiation. When offered a position as a senior researcher in a biotech company, he researched industry salary standards and prepared a compelling case for a higher salary and additional benefits. Through effective negotiation, he secured a salary 15% higher than the initial offer, along with flexible work hours.

Before We Conclude….

Please visit my article category RESEARCH CAREERS for various career opportunities for PhD candidates before and after completion of PhD.

Here’s a tabular format listing prominent companies across various domains along with their respective URLs for PhD related career opportunities:

Please note that URLs and job opportunities may change over time, so it’s advisable to visit the respective company websites for the most up-to-date information on job openings and careers.

In this comprehensive exploration, we have dissected the various dimensions of salary expectations after obtaining a PhD. We started by understanding the factors influencing salaries, both within academia and beyond. From field of study and location to industry choice, these factors play a crucial role in determining one’s earning potential. We then examined the diverse salary landscapes in academia, private industry, government, and non-profit sectors. Furthermore, we emphasized the international perspective, shedding light on how salaries differ on a global scale. Lastly, we provided valuable tips on maximizing salary potential through networking, skill development, and effective negotiation.

Armed with the insights presented in this article, we encourage all aspiring and current PhD candidates to delve deeper into the salary landscapes of their respective fields. Further research, consultations with career advisors, and networking within their communities can provide a clearer picture of what to expect post-PhD. Knowledge is the cornerstone of success, and by acquiring a comprehensive understanding of salary expectations, individuals can confidently steer their career paths towards prosperity and fulfilment.

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• CAREER FEATURE
• 03 May 2024

Hunger on campus: why US PhD students are fighting over food

• Laurie Udesky 0

Laurie Udesky is a freelance journalist in San Francisco, California.

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An on-campus food pantry at the University of Wisconsin–Madison helps students with insufficient money for food. Credit: M. P. King/Wisconsin State Journal/AP/Alamy

Jen Cruz’s life as a PhD student is a world away from her childhood. Although not a member of the tribe, she grew up on Yakama Indian reservation land in Wapato, Washington.

Cruz, a first-generation university student, remembers how families, including hers, would often work for local farmers or fishers in exchange for food to supplement the food stamps and free school lunches that most people on the reservation relied on to get by.

Collection: Career resources for PhD students

But once at university, Cruz found that the give and take and sense of community that had helped people to survive just didn’t exist on campus. She relied on food stamps issued by the state during her master’s degree in public health at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. “I also took out loans and worked several jobs,” she says. “When the stamps ran out, I’d go to the food pantry.” These are distribution centres where people facing hunger can receive donated food, akin to food banks in other parts of the world.

Now four years into a PhD in social epidemiology at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in Boston, Massachusetts, Cruz no longer thinks of herself as food insecure — unable to count on having enough food to be active and healthy — but things are still tight in a city where the cost of living requires a single adult to earn US$62,500 annually to support themselves.

In addition to working full time on her dissertation, she does 20 hours a week as a researcher for a faculty-member colleague, and also teaches to supplement her $37,000 stipend (Harvard will be raising PhD student stipends to a minimum of $50,000 in July). She shops at a discount farmers’ market where she can buy a week’s worth of produce for $10, and she shares accommodation with two other people to minimize housing costs.

Hard evidence

A study published in February revealed that food insecurity at Harvard is not just anecdotal ( N. M. Hammad and C. W. Leung JAMA Netw. Open 7 , e2356894; 2024 ). Commissioned by the dean’s office at Harvard’s School of Public Health, the survey found that 17% of the 1,287 graduate students who responded and 13% of the 458 postdoctoral responders had experienced food insecurity — figures that were on a par with or exceeded those for the general US population (13%).

Respondents reported having to skip meals, cut down their portions and fill up on foods with little nutritional value. Some also reported feeling anxious that they wouldn’t have enough to eat. Food insecurity also correlated with respondents feeling that their housing was at risk because of difficulties with rent or mortgage payments

Widespread issue

The struggle to find enough food is a problem not just at Harvard. Food insecurity on campus is widespread in the United States and elsewhere, with one study reporting that 42% of US undergraduate students on average are unable to feed themselves what they need to stay healthy ( B. Ellison et al. Food Policy 102 , 102031; 2021 ). To lessen the struggle faced by hungry students, some 750 campuses across the United States have set up food pantries. Research is lacking on food-access issues affecting UK graduate students and postdocs, but a study of 161 UK universities found that food insecurity was “off the scales”, says developmental psychologist Greta Defeyter, who led the work, which is yet to be published. It affected 57% of first-year undergraduate and foundation-year students.

Postdocs celebrate 24% pay boost in one of the world’s most expensive cities

Food insecurity affected 20% of PhD students, “which is much higher than the UK average” of 6–10% of the general population, says Defeyter, who directs the Healthy Living Lab, a food-poverty research group based at Northumbria University in Newcastle.

A 2016 report about food insecurity at the ten campuses of the University of California (UC) system found that 25% of graduate students and 48% of undergraduates didn’t have enough to eat (see go.nature.com/49dedjx ).

“We started producing the data to go to the state and say, we have a problem and we need to do something about it,” said Suzanna Martinez, a health-behaviour epidemiologist at UC San Francisco. Martinez led the research in her previous role at the university’s Nutrition Policy Institute in Oakland, California. “Since 2016, the UC system has published updates on food insecurity and actions to address it on its campuses,” she adds. These reports can be accessed online through the university’s Basic Needs Initiative (see go.nature.com/4begaus ).

Social stigma

As well as lowering academic performance and increasing the risk of depression, food insecurity is associated with social stigma.

Gwen Chodur, now a postdoc in nutritional biology at UC Santa Cruz, was a key player in the fight for food security while a graduate student in nutrition at the UC Davis. Chodur’s monthly pay in 2016, her first year as a graduate student, was just under $1,700. A first-generation university student who hailed from ‘coal country’ in Pennsylvania, she often skipped lunch as an undergraduate at Pennsylvania State University in University Park. Despite taking on a couple of jobs while there, she says, “I was always one unanticipated expense away from not being able to finish my degree.”

When she started at UC Davis in September 2016, she explains, she didn’t get her first cheque until November, which forced her to get creative with dried beans and rice, or stock up on cans of spaghetti hoops for dinner. “It was very clear to me that higher education wasn’t designed for students like me, and that was very obvious from the first day that I set foot on campus,” she says of the deep-seated sense of impostor syndrome she felt.

PhD students face cash crisis with wages that don’t cover living costs

Chodur soon learnt that many other graduate students had similar struggles. Bolstered by this knowledge, she joined others to launch a separate food pantry, located in the Graduate Student Association office, for colleagues who felt uncomfortable going to the one on campus. “They were saying things like, ‘If I see my students there, that could undermine my authority in the classroom and it would be embarrassing,’” says Chodur.

Safyer McKenzie-Sampson spoke out about the location of the weekly free food market at UC San Francisco. McKenzie-Sampson, who was then a PhD student researching racism and adverse maternal health outcomes in Black communities, says having access to the market was helpful after spending half of her pay on rent. But a return trip to the food market took one hour from the Mission Bay campus, where she lived and worked. “There’d be a group of us with our big green bags collectively doing the walk of shame to the shuttle bus,” she says. Raising the issue repeatedly with her mentor resulted in a second food market opening at the Mission Bay Campus. “She was able to have the right conversations with the right people,” McKenzie-Sampson says.

Even so, McKenzie-Sampson still did not have enough to eat, and often had to track down free food provided at campus meetings. “I don’t know if you have heard of the example of ‘having sleep for dinner’. Well, there definitely were many nights when I had sleep for dinner,” says McKenzie-Sampson, who is now based at Stanford University in California, where she researches racism and ethnicity. She hails from Canada and, like other international students, would at that time have been ineligible for food stamps provided through the state version of the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

Legislation introduced in California in 2021 broadened eligibility for food stamps in the state’s undergraduates. But food insecurity in graduate students rose by 14 percentage points between 2021 and 2023, after a fall of 5 percentage points between 2016 and 2021.

“At the end of the day, it’s still the dollar amount that impacts graduate students,” says Martinez, noting that their stipends are too high for them to be eligible for food stamps.

Martinez, who advises on basic necessities operations on UC campuses, also attributes the jump to cost of attendance and increases in the cost of living. She says that the 2023 Basic Needs Initiative survey on food insecurity might have been done before pay hikes for graduate students, which took effect after a long-standing and ultimately successful strike over pay and conditions ended in December 2022. According to the university’s latest report on basic necessities, between 2020 and 2023, the US consumer price index rose by 19% and food prices ratcheted up by 24%.

Meanwhile, researchers at Harvard are in the next phase of investigating food insecurity on campus, taking a deeper dive into the details of how graduate students and postdocs are weathering it and what they need. Nour Hammad, a PhD student who researches public-health nutrition and is lead author of the study, says a food pantry is planned. The research continues, she adds, “to see how food insecurity impacts academic performance, their physical and mental health, their relationships — just their whole experience”.

Until recently, Cruz was part of those efforts as leader of the Harvard Chan Alliance for Low Income and First Generation Students Organization, an advocacy group that campaigns for better food access for students in need and serves more broadly as a support system. Group chats announce where on campus students can find free food — usually leftover pizza, sandwiches and fruit from meetings.

“I would say all of us PhD students have Tupperware containers at our desks, so if there is food, we can take extra home,” says Cruz. On the day she spoke to Nature , she had scored some cooked chicken breasts: “I was like, that’s going to be my protein for the week.”

Nature 629 , 489-490 (2024)

doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-024-01279-y

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The Fulbright U.S. Student Program is a highly competitive international educational exchange program sponsored by the U.S. government and is designed to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries. In the 2024-25 award cycle, 10 students applied from UCSB, 1 was selected as a semi-finalist, 2 were selected as alternates, and 3 were selected as finalists. Congratulations to these outstanding students!

UC Santa Barbara's Graduate Division would like to recognize all of the talented students who participated in the 2024-25  Fulbright U.S. Student Program Award competition . This highly competitive program is the flagship international educational exchange program sponsored by the U.S. government and is designed to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries. Recipients of Fulbright awards are selected on the basis of academic and professional achievement, as well as their record of service and leadership potential in their respective fields.

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Dear Colleague Letter: Non-Academic Research Internships for Graduate Students in Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies (Hydrogen INTERN) Supplemental Funding Opportunity

May 6, 2024

Dear Colleague:

Fostering the growth of a globally competitive and diverse research workforce and advancing the scientific and innovation skills of U.S. students are strategic objectives of the National Science Foundation (NSF). Supporting the development of a skilled workforce in energy efficiency and renewable energy is a strategic objective of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). The NSF and DOE's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) have established a partnership to support internship and training opportunities to meet these strategic objectives with a focus on hydrogen and fuel cell technologies. A new generation of skilled workforce is needed to drive research and development of hydrogen production, delivery, infrastructure, storage, fuel cells, and multiple end uses across transportation, industrial, and stationary power applications. For more information on DOE-EERE's priorities for hydrogen energy research, please see the DOE's Hydrogen Program Areas and the U.S. National Clean Hydrogen Strategy Roadmap .

This Dear Colleague Letter (DCL) describes this unique partnership with DOE EERE's Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office (HFTO) and is aligned with and conforms with the NSF INTERN opportunity described in the Dear Colleague Letter: Non-Academic Research Internships for Graduate Students (INTERN) Supplemental Funding Opportunity . This DCL is referred to as the Hydrogen INTERN DCL.

SUPPLEMENTAL FUNDING OPPORTUNITY

NSF will consider supplemental funding requests in the broad area of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies that enable PIs (or Co-PIs) to request supplemental support of up to $55,000 and six months for graduate students supported on active NSF grants with the following goals:

• To provide graduate students with the opportunity to augment their research assistantships or NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) fellowships with research internship activities and training opportunities that will complement their academic research training.
• To allow graduate students to pursue new activities aimed at acquiring professional development experience that will enhance their preparation for multiple career pathways after graduation.
• To encourage the participation of the full spectrum of diverse talent in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

DESCRIPTION OF THE ACTIVITIES SUPPORTED

The PI/co-PI of an active NSF award may request supplemental funding for one or more graduate students to gain knowledge, skills, training, and experiences in hydrogen and fuel cell technologies and their application areas.

Internship hosts include, but are not limited to:

• Private sector companies, laboratories, or industry research and development groups.
• Start-up businesses such as, but not limited to, those funded through the NSF's Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs.
• Department of Energy Laboratories, other government agencies (all levels), and National Laboratories.
• Museums, science centers, and other informal learning settings that educate the public.
• Policy think-tanks.
• Non-profit organizations.

Prior to submission, PIs are encouraged to discuss possible INTERN supplements with the cognizant NSF Program Director Points of Contact listed in this DCL to ensure the proposed internship and its topic are a good fit for this DCL. It is expected that the graduate student and the PI on the NSF grant will work together to identify experiences that add the most educational value for the graduate student through activities that are not already available at the student's academic institution. Further, it is expected that the internship will be research-focused and will be on-site at the host organization unless a specific exception to this is granted by the cognizant Program Director due to extenuating circumstances.

ELIGIBILITY

To be eligible for this opportunity, graduate students must have completed at least one academic year in their graduate program (master's or doctoral) prior to commencement of the proposed INTERN activity and be making satisfactory progress toward completion of their degree.

SUPPLEMENTAL FUNDING REQUEST PREPARATION INSTRUCTIONS

Information about requesting supplemental support is contained in the NSF PAPPG ), Chapter VI.E.5. In addition to the PAPPG requirements for supplemental support, the following materials must be included.

• A two-page summary that describes the internship
• A one-page personal statement from the graduate student describing career goals, accomplishments, and how the activity will better prepare the individual to enter the workforce.
• Research summary to include contribution(s) to research discipline
• Institution(s)
• Year of study (1st year, 2nd year, etc.)
• Completed coursework
• Employment and volunteer/outreach history
• Publications (accepted only)
• Other information relevant to the proposed internship
• A letter of collaboration from an authorized official at the host organization that describes the internship opportunity and mentoring the student will experience during the internship. The letter should include a statement confirming that neither the graduate student nor the PI has a financial interest in the organization hosting the internship.
• An endorsement letter from the PI that confirms that the student meets the eligibility requirements specified in this DCL. The letter must describe how the proposed internship activity will contribute to the student's graduate education experience and how it may impact time to degree.
• The NSF recipient and Host Organization must agree in advance as to how intellectual property (IP) rights will be handled. A signed agreement on IP (including publication and patent rights) must be submitted either as a supplementary document or, via email to the cognizant Program Director after submission of the supplementary funding request and prior to the award of the supplemental funding. NSF is responsible neither for the agreement reached nor the IP information exchanged between the NSF recipient and Host Organization.
• A budget and budget justification.

SUPPLEMENTAL FUNDING AMOUNT

The total amount of funding requested must not exceed $55,000 per student per six-month period. NSF plans to fund up to approximately 10 or more supplements in each fiscal year starting with FY 2024, depending on availability of funds.

ALLOWABLE COSTS UNDER THIS DCL

Funds may be used to support travel, tuition and fees, health insurance, additional stipend, and temporary relocation costs for the graduate student. Additional stipends are not allowed for GRFP fellows "on tenure" (currently receiving a GRFP stipend), but a stipend will be considered for fellows "on reserve" (not currently receiving a GRFP stipend) equal to the monthly rate of the GRFP stipend. Up to $2,500 may be used for the PI or the graduate research fellow's advisor to travel to work with the host organization in co-mentoring the student during the internship. Up to $2,500 may be used for materials and supplies to support the student during the internship. Travel costs must be allocated in the budget request for the graduate student to travel once to Washington DC, to present the outcomes of the INTERN project at the DOE's Annual Merit Review meeting. The recipient is permitted to request indirect costs in accordance with their approved/negotiated indirect cost rate. The total requested budget cannot exceed the limits listed under the "Supplement funding amount" section above. Note: Spousal and dependent travel are not supported.

PERIOD OF SUPPORT

The supplement funding will provide up to six months of support for an internship. Up to two supplemental funding requests may be submitted on a grant per student. This would allow the student up to two internship periods of up to six months each (i.e., a maximum of 12 months per student).

Supplemental funding requests may be submitted at any time with a target date of June 15 for Fiscal Year 2024 and April 15 for future Fiscal Years.

SUBMISSION & REVIEW

Requests for supplemental funding must be submitted electronically via Research.gov. A PI or co-PI on an NSF award must contact his/her cognizant program director prior to submission. GRFP INTERN supplement requests are submitted by the GRFP PI, not by the GRFP fellow or the fellow's research advisor. Requests for supplemental funding submitted in response to this DCL will be reviewed internally by NSF Program Officers. All supplements are subject to (a) the availability of funds, and (b) merit review of the supplemental funding request.

• Dr. Prakash Balan, [email protected] - Directorate for Engineering
• Dr. Barbara Ransom, [email protected] - Directorate for Geosciences

SPECIAL AWARD CONDITION

Intellectual Property Rights: Internships under this DCL are considered equivalent to traineeships. The National Science Foundation claims no rights to any inventions or writings that might result from its traineeship awards. However, trainees should be aware that NSF, another Federal agency, or some private party may acquire such rights through other support for particular research. Also, trainees should note their obligation to include an Acknowledgment and Disclaimer in any publication.

POLICY OR CODE ADDRESSING HARASSMENT

Recipients are required to have a policy or code of conduct that addresses sexual harassment, other forms of harassment, and sexual assault. The recipient should work with the Host Organization to ensure that the Host Organization also has a policy or code of conduct that addresses sexual harassment, other forms of harassment, and sexual assault including reporting and complaint procedures and to confirm that such policy both covers and protects INTERN students interacting with the Host Organization. The recipient should also coordinate with the Host Organization to provide orientation to graduate students to cover expectations of behavior to ensure a safe and respectful environment, and to review the recipient and host organization's policy or code of conduct addressing sexual harassment, other forms of harassment, and sexual assault, including reporting and complaint procedures. For additional information, see the NSF policies at https://new.nsf.gov/stopping-harassment .

Susan Marqusee, Assistant Director Directorate for Biological Sciences (BIO)

Dilma Da Silva, Acting Assistant Director Directorate for Computer and Information Science and Engineering (CISE)

James L. Moore III, Assistant Director Directorate for Education and Human Resources (EDU)

Susan Margulies, Assistant Director Directorate for Engineering (ENG)

Alexandra Isern, Assistant Director Directorate for Geosciences (GEO)

C. Denise Caldwell, Acting Assistant Director Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences (MPS)

Alicia Knoedler, Office Head Office of Integrative Activities (OIA)

Kendra Sharp, Office Head Office of International Science and Engineering (OISE)

Kaye Husbands Fealing, Assistant Director Directorate for Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences (SBE)

Erwin Gianchandani, Assistant Director Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnership (TIP)

UTA public health graduate focused on helping others

Thursday, May 09, 2024 • Neph Rivera : contact

When Jessica Douglas first step foot on The University of Texas at Arlington campus, it marked a new beginning but with a familiar focus: helping people.

Douglas took a decade-long break to raise her children and train as a doula. But in 2019, she decided to return to school. On May 10, she will officially earn her Master of Public Health degree, crossing the stage with 5,700-plus Mavericks at Globe Life Field.

She’s also earned the prestigious Gerry C. Gunnin, Ph.D., Public Health Memorial Fellowship, considered the most competitive public health fellowship in Dallas-Fort Worth. Douglas will spend 10 weeks working for Texas Health Resources on a variety of community health initiatives.

“I always knew that at a certain point, I would go back to school and go into a profession that was patient-centered,” she said.

Douglas graduated from Houston Community College and then enrolled at the New Mexico College of Midwifery. While apprenticing with a midwife, she decided to take a break from her higher education goals to focus on her family. She had two children at that point and would eventually have two more. But she said she always knew school was still in her future when the time was right.

She originally applied to UTA’s nursing program, but then looked into public health and became hooked with helping people on a community-wide scale.

“I have tons of life experience, have lived through lots of things and have been on both the provider and patient sides,” she said. “The public health space just seems like the right place for me.”

The life experience that Douglas wants to bring to the field is filled with both tragedy and triumph. She had five miscarriages and a stillbirth; she also had two home births and two in a hospital. She wants to make sure moms like her have more positive experiences.

“The United States has not such a great track record with maternal health and outcomes; we’re pretty low across the board,” Douglas said. “There’s a lot of room for growth and change, and it’s what I’m comfortable with because it’s what my experience is in.”

She applied for the fellowship at the urging of Erin Carlson, clinical professor and founding director of UTA’s graduate public health programs. Douglas has worked with her as a UTA public health program assistant.

“Dr. Carlson was the reason I went into the graduate program,” Douglas said. “I was able to be a professional working alongside her instead of just studying under her. She is a great and knowledgeable mentor.”

Douglas said she finds herself looking back on her time as a Maverick, grateful for the support she received from her husband and the connections she made at UTA.

“I’ve made some really good relationships, and I’m excited to celebrate their accomplishments as well,” she said. “It’s not just about me. It’s about the people I’ve met along the way.”

Pharmaceutical Researcher Salary in the United States

Pharmaceutical researcher salary.

How much does a Pharmaceutical Researcher make in the United States? The average Pharmaceutical Researcher salary in the United States is $59,208 as of April 24, 2024, but the salary range typically falls between $53,626 and $66,834 . Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education , certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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11 CARTA Fellows Triumph with Postdoctoral Awards

We celebrate our 11 outstanding fellows for receiving postdoctoral awards from CARTA after a competitive selection process. Among them are four recipients of fellowship grants: Nanfizat Abiket Alamukii, Adeyinka Olufolake Adefolarin, and Blessings Nyasilia Kaunda-Khangamwa. Additionally, seven fellows have received re-entry grants: Skye Nandi Adams, Christine Minoo Mbindyo, Priscille Musabirema, Oyeyemi Olajumoke Oyelade, Eniola Olubukola Cadmus, and Alex John Ntamatungiro. Join us on a journey to explore the topics, significance, and uniqueness of each fellow’s research, deserving of this prestigious recognition.

Fellowship Grants

Henry Zakumumpa

Affiliation : Makerere University , School of Public Health

Host institution : Moi University, College of Health Sciences

What is your research topic?

Leveraging differentiated service delivery models in Uganda to address the syndemics of HIV, hypertension, and diabetes

Why is your research important?

In Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), we’re confronting a health crisis with rising non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like hypertension and diabetes, alongside ongoing challenges in HIV treatment. While diseases like HIV and malaria receive global support, NCDs like diabetes and hypertension often get overlooked. It’s frustrating, but we must bridge this gap to ensure care reaches those in need.

What is unique about your research?

Since 2004, Uganda’s received $5B+ in donor aid for HIV, driving innovations in care and treatment access. Building on this success, my study leverages HIV care platforms to combat hypertension and diabetes epidemics. Exploring community-based drug distribution, I aim to extend medication access for HIV and NCDs in Uganda and beyond.

What can you tell CARTA and your affiliation?

Thanks to CARTA and Makerere University , I can conduct crucial research on rising non-communicable diseases in Africa, contributing to vital solutions. Their commitment to empowering African-led research is pivotal in advancing agendas continent-wide. Grateful for this opportunity!

Source: CARTA

Study Reveals Taxation Issues in Uganda’s Informal Economy

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Business & Management

A recent study by researchers at Makerere University ’s College of Business and Management Sciences has identified the lack of a structured taxation framework for informal businesses as a significant cause of tax non-compliance among traders in Uganda. This revelation came from a collaborative research project involving eight university scholars, who examined the underlying factors contributing to the shadow economy and its implications for the national tax system.

The findings were presented by Dr. Ismail Kintu, the study’s Principal Investigator, at a dissemination workshop held in Nansana Municipality Council, Wakiso District, on Thursday. The research, initiated in 2022, aimed to assess traders’ perceptions of fairness within the taxation system and how this relates to voluntary tax compliance.

“Traders said the system is unfair to them,” Dr. Kintu explained during the workshop. “Our research aimed to understand what fairness means in Uganda’s context.” According to the study, fairness in the tax system is crucial for voluntary compliance, suggesting that taxes should be aligned with one’s revenue, and penalties should be applied equitably.

The researchers developed a proposed framework for taxing the informal economy, emphasizing the importance of consulting key stakeholders, such as district commercial officers, tax consultants, and leaders from traders’ associations, before implementing tax policies. The framework recommends engaging these stakeholders in meetings with the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) and the Ministry of Finance to ensure that new tax policies are inclusive and fair.

The study also suggests the need for flexibility in tax collection, advocating for payment in installments and prior notification to traders before collecting taxes. This approach, the researchers argue, would help build trust and encourage compliance among informal traders.

The researchers’ proposed framework includes annual mapping of policy gaps in the informal economy and developing solutions to address them. This process would involve regular consultations with stakeholders to refine the tax system and maintain fairness.

Local officials who attended the workshop expressed support for the research findings. Mr. Festo Tandeka, Nansana Municipality town clerk, encouraged traders to cultivate a culture of paying taxes but cautioned against excessive taxation. He recommended allowing tax payments in installments to avoid overburdening traders.

Similarly, Mr. Shaffic Ali Nsubuga, Nansana Municipality Deputy Resident District Commissioner, urged tax officers to approach tax collection with compassion, suggesting that prior notices be given to traders before taxes are collected.

The findings of the Makerere University study arrive at a critical time, as Ugandan traders have recently protested against increasing taxes. Mr. Joshua Mawerere, a youth representative from the Kampala City Traders Association, welcomed the study, noting that it brings clarity to issues surrounding tax policies. He urged the government to raise awareness about new tax systems, like the Electronic Fiscal Receipting and Invoicing Solution (EFRIS), which some traders mistakenly perceive as additional taxes.

The study’s comprehensive approach to understanding the informal economy’s taxation challenges may pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable tax system in Uganda, fostering greater compliance and reducing the size of the shadow economy.

The research was funded by the government of Uganda through the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF) . Speaking at the stakeholders’ engagement on April 25 th , Ms Evelyn Nyacho who represented the chair of the grants committee, congratulated Dr. Kintu and team upon the timely research finding. She said the findings would help URA and the traders coming after a traders’ strike over taxation. She said Mak-RIF was happy to sponsor research that is aimed at solving society issues like taxation. “I was happy to learn that taxes can be pay in installments. I hope traders can embrace this flexibility in paying taxes,” she said. She appreciated government for the research funding to the university. The government commits Shs30 billion annually to research at Makerere University in an effort to spur development of the country.

The research team

Dr Kintu (PI), Prof Eria Hisali (Co. PI), Dr Fred Bateganya, Dr Willy Kagarura, Mr Patrick Lumala, Mr Nicholas Musoke, Ms Marion Atukunda, and Ms Winfred Nalwoga.

Call for Applications:

The Johns Hopkins Berman Institute of Bioethics and the Wellcome Centre for Ethics and Humanities at the University of Oxford have established a Collaborative Bioethics Research and Training Program with support from the Wellcome Trust. Through this partnership, we have created joint post-doctoral training opportunities. We are pleased to invite applications from uniquely qualified individuals who are committed to interdisciplinary and transnational collaboration and who have a particular interest in the ethical issues at the intersection of global health and infectious disease. This two-year fellowship will begin September 1, 2024.

Qualifications, Responsibilities and Opportunities:

• Doctoral-level degree in bioethics, philosophy, public health, law, medicine, social science, history or other relevant discipline, with fewer than five years of post-PhD research by the start date.
• Scholarly interests in ethical issues at the intersection of global health and infectious disease.
• Primary, in-residence appointment at Johns Hopkins and a residency requirement at the Wellcome Center. The exact nature, duration and timing of the Oxford residency is flexible and case-specific.
• Regular seminars, presentations and discussions with leaders in the field;
• Individualized research program;
• Bioethics coursework and mentorship;
• Professional development training;
• Teaching opportunities (commensurate with experience and background);
• Participation in outreach efforts via social media

Salary/Benefits:

• $62,500 per year, plus health benefits
• Travel for the residency requirement and modest living expenses when overseas
• A modest discretionary fund for travel to relevant conferences

To apply: The application window is now open. Applications are due by May 10 th , 2024 and must be uploaded via Interfolio ( http://apply.interfolio.com/143815 ).

• Cover Letter
• Personal statement in support of your application
• Copy of Graduate Transcript(s)
• Writing Sample
• Two Letters of Reference

For more information on the Berman-Oxford Joint Post-doctoral Fellowship Program, please contact the Berman Institute’s Director of Education Initiatives (Gail Geller, ScD, MHS at [email protected]) or Associate Director for Global Programs (Joseph Ali, JD at [email protected]).

Hon. Dr. Muyingo Officially Launches Graduate Forum, Research Management System

The Minister of State for Higher Education, Hon. Dr. John C. Muyingo on Thursday 25 th April 2024 officially launched the inaugural Annual Forum for Graduate Research and Policy Dialogue as well as the Research Information Management System (RIMS). Organised under the theme “Regional Integration and Development” , the two-day event being held in the Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility will witness over 70 paper presentations by PhD fellows, Research and Publication opportunities by the Makerere University Press as well as presentations on Mental Health and Wellness.

“I am here because I am coming back home and you are talking a language I love and enjoy. I am also here to confirm Government’s commitment to support Makerere ’s efforts to become a research-led University,” reassured Hon. Dr. Muyingo as he commenced his remarks.

Addressing the event theme, Hon. Dr. Muyingo underscored the importance of regional integration as a cornerstone of Uganda’s aspirations for a brighter future, noting that it is through cohesive efforts and shared endeavours that the region can overcome numerous challenges and unlock its full potential for growth and development.

He pointed out that higher education and research play a pivotal role in driving regional integration and development, and called upon scholars and researchers to play their respective roles. “Your pursuit of knowledge and academic excellence holds the promise of transformative change, serving as a catalyst for innovation, progress, and inclusive growth.”

Hon. Dr. Muyingo expressed the Government of Uganda’s appreciation of the strides made by Makerere University in as far as conducting research that informs national development priorities. He therefore applauded the two-day Annual Forum for Graduate Research and Policy Dialogue and launch of RIMS not only as milestones in graduate training but also platforms that will make the institution’s research more visible to government, funding agencies, research partners and other stakeholders.

He nevertheless reiterated the need for Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) such as Makerere “to play a more practical role in engaging the policy space and contribute to nurturing a policy environment receptive to evidence-based solutions.”

Delivering the first keynote of the two-day event, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe expressly thanked Hon. Dr. Muyingo for presiding over a second event at Makerere in less than a week. On 19 th April 2024, he represented the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports Hon. Janet Museveni, at the launch of the Digitalisation of Academic Records and Processes (DARP) project.

In the same measure, Prof. Nawangwe thanked the Government of Uganda substantially tackling the chronic shortage of funds for research by instituting the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF). “With the money that Government is giving us, we have changed the research landscape of Makerere tremendously.

“Additionally, we have with the help of UNDP established a state-of-the-art Innovation Pod. We have put in place an office specializing in Intellectual Property and they are doing a great job; they have already registered several copyrights and applied for several patents” he added.

The Vice Chancellor nevertheless regretted the timing of ongoing budget cuts which are likely to affect funding for research. Noting that we are in the era of the knowledge economy where those in the know get ahead of those who are not, he reiterated that it is Nations such as China that have prioritised knowledge production through funding of Higher Education and research that are making leaps economically.

“If Africa is going to industrialise, we must produce more PhDs because no amount of foreign direct investment is going to industrialise Africa. Africa will be industrialised by the small and medium enterprises, which will come mostly out of research by PhD and Masters students, and a few undergraduate students – the Kiira Motors came from undergraduate students” explained Prof. Nawangwe.

Citing the presentations made during the opening ceremony by Mr. Erick Jacob Okek on Immunological and parasitological impact of co-deployment of Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) and bed nets for malarial mosquito vector control in Uganda and Ms. Adella Grace Migisha on Environmental influences on electricity reliability in Uganda’s grid system , Prof. Nawangwe emphasised that PhD students are addressing pertinent issues and ought to be supported by the Government.

“Let us put our heads together and see how best to unlock the potential of Makerere University . There is so much potential here that we are not utilising as a country, and we need to unlock it to the letter” summed up the Vice Chancellor.

In line with contributing to unlocking Makerere ’s potential, the Director, Directorate of Research and Graduate Training (DRGT), Prof. Edward Bbaale said that the Annual Forum provides a platform to showcase the potential of graduate research as a driver for socioeconomic transformation. “Additionally, it serves to enhance the capacity of graduate students to engage effectively in policy dialogues and debates.”

Prof. Bbaale reiterated DRGT’s commitment to augmenting the skills of graduate scholars in policy engagement and communication as part of their doctoral research and education toolkit, owing to the impact these graduates have. “There is now evidence that return on investment in Higher Education is higher than the return on investment in lower education and hence Government is encouraged to support graduate training through scholarships and loan schemes.”

Citing the Makerere University Policy on Establishment of Research Institutes and Institutions, Prof. Bbaale said that DRGT is encouraging the growth of research groups into dynamic hubs such as research units, centres, institutes and centres of excellence. Furthermore, and in respect of packaging and marketing of research output as enshrined in the Makerere University Strategic Plan, he added that the multidisciplinary Makerere Innovation Pod is poised to foster creativity, innovation and collaboration among students, researchers and entrepreneurs.

On the need for scholars and researchers to publish works in books and journals, Prof. Bbaale put forth the Makerere University Press as an avenue for disseminating new knowledge across the various disciplines. “I would like to implore all faculty and students to use the press as a publishing house and promote our works.”

Developed by the Directorate for ICT Support (DICTS) with funding from Mak-RIF, the Research Information Management System (RIMS) was unveiled at the Forum as digital solution to track the graduate student journey, report every stage of progress, centrally manage research produced by students, and streamline the graduation process. Addressing the Forum, the Academic Registrar and Principal Investigator RIMS, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi noted that the system is going to Makerere enhance its visibility as a research-led university.

“The architecture of RIMS has seven modules that include: Masters and PhD research; Postdoctoral research; Dissemination, Conferences and Seminars; Research Innovations; Inventory of Senior Researchers; International Collaborations; and e-Supervision” shared Prof. Buyinza.

He added that the system will not only enhance student tracking but also e-Supervision and thesis management through a simple easy-to-use dashboard. “It is a moment of joy that we are transiting from the manual system to an online digital platform. This will enhance efficiency, and completion rates will be assured.”

Providing a background to RIMS, the Director DICTS, Mr. Samuel Paul Mugabi noted that the ongoing development and launch of various Information Systems at Makerere University is as a result of a strategic shift by the leadership from outsourcing to solving challenges related to business processes digitalisation through in-house development.

RIMS was developed by a team made up of Mr. Juma Katongole, Mr. Joshua Muhumuza and Mr. Denis Wamala. The latter who presented on behalf of his colleagues demonstrated how the e-Supervision module can be used to track a scholar’s progress right from the conceptual stage right to the dissertation and defence. He added that the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) will pilot the RIMS rollout.

The President PhD Fellows at Makerere University (Pf@Mak), Ms. Clare Cheromoi in her opening remarks said that the lineup of paper presentations would at the end of the two-day Forum clearly demonstrate to the public that PhDs remain highly relevant to addressing the challenges in the country. She observed that Makerere has created the supportive environment through avenues such as the Annual Forum for PhD fellows to collectively address national development priorities.

She thanked the University Management and Annual Forum organisers led by the Chairperson Prof. Julius Kikooma for their support in making the event a success. In particular, the President Pf@Mak thanked the Vice Chancellor for maintaining an open-door policy that has enabled Student Leaders to share their ideas. In appreciation the Pf@Mak Leadership presented a book How to Lead Smart People: Leadership for Professionals to Prof. Nawangwe.

The Forum was moderated by the Principal Public Relations Officer, Ms. Ritah Namisango, while the Department of Performing Arts and Film (PAF) kept guests entertained.

Book of Abstracts

Presentations from the Opening Ceremony

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