The case for diversifying doctoral training

The future of higher education hinges on our ability to rethink doctoral training.

As part of Finland’s goal to raise its ratio of R&D funding to four per cent of GDP by 2030, the government recently launched the ‘1,000 doctors’ scheme. Running from 2024 to 2027, ‘1,000 doctors’ aims to significantly boost the number of doctoral graduates, emphasising collaboration between universities, research institutes and businesses. With €255 million in funding, the initiative will create 1,000 new doctoral positions in multidisciplinary research fields.

This effort is not just about increasing numbers but also about rethinking and streamlining doctoral education, enhancing flexibility and broadening career opportunities. By preparing doctoral candidates for diverse careers and addressing societal challenges, these initiatives modernise doctoral training, making it more inclusive and adaptable to today’s global demands. At a time when the global academic landscape is under pressure to adapt to rapidly changing societal and economic needs, Finland’s approach represents a critical step forward.

Interdisciplinarity

One of the most compelling aspects of the pilot projects that this scheme funds is their emphasis on interdisciplinarity. Traditional doctoral programmes often silo candidates within narrow fields of study, limiting their exposure to other disciplines and stifling innovation. Finland’s model breaks down these barriers, encouraging doctoral candidates to engage in cross-disciplinary research that can lead to groundbreaking discoveries.

By integrating knowledge from various fields, students are better equipped to tackle complex global issues such as climate change, public health, and social inequality. This approach aligns with the growing recognition that the problems of the 21^st century cannot be solved within the confines of a single discipline.

Real-world applications

Moreover, these pilots place a strong emphasis on real-world applicability, ensuring that research conducted by doctoral candidates has tangible benefits beyond the academic community. This is crucial in an era where the relevance of academic research is increasingly questioned by policy makers and the public.

By aligning research projects with industry needs, societal challenges and public policy, these programmes ensure that doctoral candidates are not only scholars but also contributors to society at large. This focus on applied research helps bridge the gap between academia and the real world, making doctoral education more dynamic and impactful.

Well-being

Another significant innovation is the attention given to the well-being of doctoral candidates. The academic world has long been plagued by high levels of stress, burnout, and mental health issues among this group. Finland’s pilot projects recognise this and have incorporated mental health support as a core component of doctoral training.

By offering resources such as counselling, peer support groups, and wellness programs, these initiatives aim to create a healthier and more supportive environment for doctoral candidates. This not only improves the quality of life for students but also enhances their productivity and creativity, leading to better research outcomes.

Career paths

These pilot projects also address a long-standing issue in doctoral education: the narrow career prospects often associated with a doctorate. Traditionally, doctoral programmes have been designed with the assumption that most graduates will pursue academic careers. However, with the academic job market becoming increasingly competitive and saturated, this assumption no longer holds true.

Finland’s model acknowledges this reality by preparing doctoral candidates for a wide range of careers, both within and outside academia. Through partnerships with industry, government, and non-profit organisations, these programmes offer students the skills and experience needed to succeed in various sectors. This not only broadens career opportunities  but also enhances the overall value of a doctoral degree, especially in the business world, by increasing the RDI capabilities and competitiveness of companies.

What about AI?

Artificial intelligence (AI) could play a crucial role in enhancing and accelerating this initiative. AI can streamline research processes, aiding doctoral students in data analysis, pattern recognition, and even in drafting complex research papers. AI-driven tools can also personalise learning experiences, providing doctoral candidates with targeted resources and guidance, which is vital for the condensed timelines these pilots aim to achieve. Moreover, AI can foster collaboration across institutions by creating smarter networks that connect researchers with complementary expertise, further enhancing the interdisciplinary nature of these doctoral programmes.

Furthermore, AI’s potential in managing administrative tasks could free up time for both candidates and supervisors, allowing them to focus on core research work. As these AI capabilities evolve, the efficiency and output of these doctoral programmes will likely see a substantial boost, helping to ensure that Finland meets its ambitious R&D targets by 2030.

A blueprint for reforming doctoral education globally

While this scheme is still at an early stage, it offers a blueprint for reforming doctoral education globally. Other countries and institutions should take note of this approach and consider how similar models could be implemented in their contexts. The key to success lies in the flexibility and adaptability of these programmes, allowing them to meet the unique needs of different academic and societal environments.

Of course, these reforms are not without challenges. Implementing such changes requires significant resources, including funding, administrative support, and faculty buy-in. There is also the risk of resistance from those who are invested in maintaining the status quo. However, the potential benefits far outweigh these challenges. By embracing a more flexible, interdisciplinary, and student-centred approach to doctoral education, we can create a system that not only produces high-quality research but also prepares graduates for a wide range of careers, ultimately benefiting society as a whole.