Research faculty
“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” - Benjamin Franklin
"Researcher: an unfair still prestigious profession" - Academic Veda
Researchers paid less
Why researchers are not always paid well?
They are at the low level of academic hierarchy
They are made to believe publications are more important
The system is like a trap - once in it, completing the program becomes vital
Complaining against the system may affect in completing the program
Solution:
Check if there is a relevant union, and register there
Discuss salary/stipend for full program period not only with prospective supervisor but also with department administrator or head
If funding is not secured for the full period, respectfully decline and look for other opportunities
Academics is a business
Below is a very simplified model showing the flow of money in the hierarchy of academia
University spends tax-payer's money for providing education
For research, individual researchers (not department nor university) compete for funding grants which mostly is also tax-payer's money
For every graduate or postgraduate student, the institute from which she/he was passed gets an additional amount - European institutes having too few local students therefore want to attract international students, amongst other reasons
