To PhD or not to PhD?

Research degrees, particularly the PhD, are seen as an important stepping stone into a research career, particularly in the sciences where chemistry is no exception. However, as part of any contemplation about undertaking a PhD, prospective students should keep in mind the sort of career, types of future research and location of the work they might be hoping to pursue. A research project by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) for the Federal Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) provides some important insights into the supply and demand for research positions in science in Australia.