The supposedly undiscussed elephant in the academic room

Some commenter is under the impression that we academics are avoiding discussing the pipeline problem in science. No, not the part that leaks women, nor the part that screens out underrepresented minorities.

The problem of the sheer volume of PhD trained individuals.

Personally, I hear less discussion than I think is necessary but the notion it is undiscussed is ludicrous.

I have been astonished by at least one program I know that has not seriously discussed the notion of shrinking yet. Amazed. But I also know other programs are talking about the issue.

But for blog discussion purposes, here’s my position. I think all PhD programs should admit 20% fewer students, starting this cycle. No weasel room for the “top” programs to claim they get a special exception either. (’cause that is what they are going to do, you betcha)

Slow down the flow, people.