PhDs: adapt training for developing world

摘要

Paula Stephan condemns the expansion of PhD programmes in the face of "almost no career prospects" (Nature 484,29-31; 2012). As a mentor of African clinicians undergoing PhD training, I can vouch for the academic rewards that a PhD delivers in developing countries. These include appointments to faculty positions and international grant awards.African universities are asking for support in developing PhD programmes to train researchers who can address Africa's myriad problems.