The hidden researcher Ethical considerations about shadow doctoral students

Outline What is it The dilemma The law Pros and cons

Definitions Shadow doctoral student (SDS): – A person who works with the same type of work as as a doctoral student without formal enrolment. Alternative: Grey-zone doctoral student

Why do SDS exist? The supervisor doesn’t have the funding for the whole PhD period at the start. The supervisor/student wants a trial period before commitment.

Magazine of Lund University, 15/ Increasing number of shadow doctoral students 75% of the doctoral students at the faculty of medicine had been SDS 40% of the doctoral students in science and technology SDS

Sydsvenska Dagbladet, 30/92008 ~20 foreign students with small stipends work as SDS Cannot formally be enrolled due to too low salary

ERGO, 16/ Student enrolled in ”Advanced course”, 60 cr Payed by stipends Student: – I was repeatedly promised to be enrolled as a PhD student – My course was prolonged from 30 cr to 60 cr Researcher: – She did not achieve so much – I kept her because she was nice – No capacity for research Another student was hired

UNT, 26/ Vice chancellor answers There is no room for SDS at UU Cannot say anything of the specific case

UNT, 19/ Verdict comes from Universitetskansler-ämbetet: Cannot say for sure that it was a ”scam course” There ”can be suspicion that the purpose was for other things than to give a master course” The department thinks that it has done nothing wrong. No consequences for the professor

The situation Researcher Fresh – dependent on results for future New position – no previous contact with students at the University. Money for only one PhD student

The situation After announcing the position and reviewing the applicants, he/she selects the most qualified candidate To test the student before hiring, he/she wants to give a “research training course” a few months, paid for by a low stipend However, he/she knows that this is not allowed Use the grey area or take the high road?

Background In 1998 the new postgraduate education reform came into force. According to the new legislation, only students that were guaranteed 4 years financing got to be accepted. The UU doctoral-student representative made an announcement where he foresaw the genesis of “skuggdoktorander” (shadow doctoral students).

What does the law state? “The faculty board is only allowed to enroll applicants that gets employed as doctoral students or have been granted education allowance for doctoral studies. The faculty board is, however, allowed to enroll applicants that have other financing if ‘…’ financing can be secured during the entire education ‘…’.” (Chap. 9, § 3, högskoleförordningen) There is currently no legal possibility to take on a doctoral student “on trial”.

Why do different rules apply to doctoral students compared to employed? According to Swedish law, a trial period of employment of six months is allowed. (The unions may have other legislations.) Högskoleverket (National Agency for Higher Education) states, the employment as a doctoral student is only time-limited, the aim is to accomplish the studies and get a degree, not to receive normal employment security.

What values are at conflict? Career/rights of the student vs Career opportunities/future for the researcher More successful recruitments (better quality/less waste) vs Misuse and exploitation of students

Supervisor Chance to evaluate student before committing Can give a chance to unknown students Possible to extend project time

Supervisor Long process Uncertainty – difficult to plan long term Might miss out on students unwilling to accept conditions

Chance to test project and working with supervisor Other skills than those measurable on paper can be considered PhD student

No guarantee of acceptance What is the criteria for acceptable test period? - potential misusage Long process Uncertain legal status, unsecure financial situation, no social benefits Constant pressure to prove yourself PhD student

Society Bring something that is done today into the light Value for research money Increased movability

Society Clear rules to avoid misuse and mistreatment Violates the principle of higher education

Solutions? Could be acceptable in isolated cases but difficult to allow systematically – opportunities for misuses large Formalization of trial period with strict criteria. In the end potential for misuse to large. Stay with current system and apply it!