The Evolution of Postdocs.

DOCTOR of philosophy degree; POSTDOCTORAL programs; HIGHER education; RESEARCH grants; RESEARCH; CAREER development; EXECUTIVE advisory bodies

This article presents guidelines published on enhancing the postdoctoral experience by the National Academies' Committee on Science, Engineering, and Public Policy (COSEPUP). Although stipends and benefits have improved, they remain a concern. There is continuing frustration at the lack of data on postdoctoral programs supported on research grants, data that can only be collected by federal agencies. However, the greatest continuing concern is the quality of mentoring from advisers, especially support and guidance in the transition to independent careers. The first principle identified in COSEPUP guide remains primary: the postdoctoral experience is first and foremost an apprenticeship whose purpose is to gain scientific, technical, and professional skills that advance the professional career of the postdoctoral.