How important is R and D to academic life and job opportunities in the field of science?
R and D is very important to academic life and employment. It is a great driving force for many people studying in the scientific field. Rebecca Spiteri, 3rd year, B.Sc. Chemistry with Materials.
R and D is imperative for academic life since it is what enables the development of a scientific institution. It also has a significant role in increasing jobs within and outside the scientific field. Should R and D be inhibited, academic life and job opportunities would stagnate. Lucia Farrugia, 3rd year, B.Sc Biology with Chemistry.
R and D is integral to tertiary education, especially when it comes to moving from the mindset that an undergraduate degree is obtained by being taught, rather than through research with guidance. It establishes a clear jump from sixth form to university level. Jessica Arena, 3rd year, BA English (Hons).
What do you think of the Budget incentive for enterprises that employ post-graduate or undergraduate students to promote scientific research?
It’s a great initiative as many Maltese students have amazing capabilities. Such opportunities encourage students to not give up on their studies. Rebecca Spiteri
While it is a step in the right direction, one must not stop here. It is very important to have an established research infrastructure and sufficient funding to carry out research that will, at the end of the day, pay back dividends to society. Lucia Farrugia
The measure paves the way forward for postgraduate and undergraduate students to showcase their abilities in a stable and professional environment, creating opportunities they might not have elsewhere without the incentive. Jessica Arena
What other opportunities or incentives for students should be given in future?
Traineeships and workshops for students in different industries should be introduced in the future. It would give them an idea of what is out there for them after graduation. Rebecca Spiteri
Postgraduate students should be provided with a stipend similar to undergraduates. The current system goes from financially supporting students to pretty much abandoning them if they follow a postgraduate course. Having a guaranteed financial support system would encourage students to embark on postgraduate degrees, hence increasing R and D in the country. Lucia Farrugia
Postgraduate programmes should be tailored to offer more research opportunities in relevant areas and forego some of the rigidity. Students have a lot to offer and providing them with more tools to conduct research is key to producing practical solutions to everyday problems. Jessica Arena
Compiled by Insite – the student media organisation.