Skyrocketing living costs and lack of government support are deterring potential PhD candidates. Experts say the obvious solution is to lift the stipend
I offer myself as a case study. I’ve been on DSP for nearly 10 years, and could go back and do a biotech or digital forensics PhD - I have a first-class science honours, and could easily get an ART grant on that basis.
However, because of my disability I struggle with basic stuff around the house, keeping it clean and having clean clothes and good etc. My hot water system broke over a month ago and I’ve been having cold showers for 6+ weeks because I’m making slow progress organizing an electrician and plumber to get it fixed. Adding PhD work to that would only be worthwhile if the grant was well paid.
I offer myself as a case study. I’ve been on DSP for nearly 10 years, and could go back and do a biotech or digital forensics PhD - I have a first-class science honours, and could easily get an ART grant on that basis.
However, because of my disability I struggle with basic stuff around the house, keeping it clean and having clean clothes and good etc. My hot water system broke over a month ago and I’ve been having cold showers for 6+ weeks because I’m making slow progress organizing an electrician and plumber to get it fixed. Adding PhD work to that would only be worthwhile if the grant was well paid.