The assistant professor scheme was always going to continue – but reviewers made a case for change
The assistant professor scheme is designed to improve the university’s academic performance rankings, by giving high-performing the incentive of continuing employment. But it is not popular with all participants and some other academics (CMM October 19 2018) – it places a strain on individuals and university resources. So, after continuing criticism VC Deep Saini established an independent review in April (CMM April 1).
The result was never in doubt, given the terms of reference did not include ending the programme.
But there was no free-pass from review chair Kevin Hall (DVC, Uni Newcastle) and colleagues.
“Many of the current problematic issues surrounding the program would disappear if the university reconceptualised the program as one suited only to elite, highly successful early career researchers who already have a mature research track record. The latter can be thought of as the equivalent output normally achieved during at least one postdoctoral appointment, with high quality publications and research funding already evident. Such a program would appeal to the type of person whom the panel believes the program was originally intended to attract: high performers with demonstrated potential. There would be many fewer academics in the program than at present, and these would be nurtured by the best mentors and supervisors available.”
Overall the university responded favourably in whole or part, to 12 of 16 policy and operational recommendations. There are outrights noes to:
* restricting the scheme to research-teaching and research-focused academics
* a specific appeals process for participants rejected for promotion
* considering changes to the opt-out option of the programme for people starting before March ’18, and;
* an ombudsman for assistant professors.
Vice Chancellor Deep Saini leaves for a new VC job in Canada at Christmas but says (CMM Tuesday) he will get the agreed changes moving before then.