An Evidence based study on how to meet the demands for high-level skills in an emerging economy

The Academy of Science for South Africa (ASSAf) has as specific mandate the provision of evidence-based advice to government on matters of crucial scientific questions; evidence-based study project activities thus form the core of the Academy’s function and are a key area of future development. This is the eleventh report of studies of this nature which the Academy has commissioned.
As an independent body that holds the membership of many of the most prominent scientists in the country, the Academy is well-placed to address questions of science capacity within the national system of innovation and is
fortunate to be able to draw on a pool of committed expertise across disciplines and across universities and other science-based organisations. Access to this resource proved invaluable in the production of this Report.
This is the first really comprehensive report on PhD training in South Africa, covering all the aspects that may influence such training in the country. The diverse nature of the research questions led to a broad research approach – several interlinked studies were carried out to gather and collate both quantitative and qualitative data for the PhD Study Report. The Report provides invaluable detail about the challenges and opportunities of South African postgraduate education.
The Report should be used as a guideline for policy-makers to do something concrete to improve the quantity and quality of PhD students in the country. Although specifically focused on South Africa, the Report’s collation and analysis of international practice as well as South African conditions could constitute a substantial resource for other countries on the African continent seeking to strengthen their PhD programmes.
The Report was developed and guided to its successful conclusion by a Study Panel of experts, under the able leadership of Professor Jonathan Jansen. The members of the Study Panel and the authors of the various constituent study reports are thanked for the care and attention with which they carried out their task.