Many PhD holders aspire a career as professor, but in reality, this career path is only accessible to a limited number of individuals. The vast majority of PhD holders leave the university either immediately after obtaining their doctorate or after spending one or more years as a postdoctoral researcher.
Postdoctoral researchers and professors not only fulfil their “traditional” roles as researchers, educators and service providers within academia, but they increasingly take on additional roles within so-called quadruple universities in collaboration with the government, industry and civil society. More and more, this also includes entrepreneurial activities or dynamic career paths that combine academic and non-academic employment.
Working within quadruple universities fosters collaboration and innovation.
Findings regarding the careers of PhD holders within the academic sector are based on the Human Resources in Research Flanders (HRRF, annually since 1991), the PhD Career Survey (2017), and on theme-specific studies (e.g. added value of a PhD, entrepreneurship). Optimal use is also made of other databases, including Careers of Doctorate Holders, the Belgian Labour Force Survey, and the SERV Workability Monitor for Employees. Particular attention is paid to gender and diversity.
Research topics related to PhD holders in academia include:
