JOSHA’s Critical Review of “PhD Training is no Longer Fit for the Purpose – it Needs Reform Now” by Nature

The editorial in Nature titled "PhD Training is No Longer Fit for Purpose - It Needs Reform Now" highlights the urgent need for reform in doctoral training, which is failing to meet the expectations of world leaders who consider science crucial for national welfare. Doctoral training has long been troubled, with concerns about inadequate student grants, lack of support, poor quality supervision, and systemic discrimination in academic culture. Additionally, doctoral students are not prepared for the interdisciplinary work and large teams that are characteristic of contemporary science, particularly outside of academic research. The article suggests that the current system of doctoral training, based on a master-apprentice relationship with individual professors, is outdated and inadequate. The editorial calls for a revolution in doctoral training design and funding, similar to the one that occurred when education became open to all. The book "Towards a Global Core Value System in Doctoral Education" provides examples of innovative doctoral education practices. The editorial acknowledges that transforming doctoral education will require significant changes, resources, and planning, and urges leaders to work with researchers to bring it into the twenty-first century. This editorial was first published in Nature on January 18, 2023 (doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-023-00084-3).