Madam, - I wish to compliment Prof William Reville on his Science Today column of February 16th on Irish scientists' salaries. He points out that young people are unlikely to pursue a career in this field while "jobs in science are both relatively scarce and modestly paid".
Despite eight years' training or more, including primary and postgraduate degrees, the average starting wage for a university research scientist is generally not much greater than the average industrial wage. Furthermore, researchers who do not secure one of the few faculty positions available, or pursue alternative careers, are unlikely to see their salaries increase either significantly or consistently.
University researchers also have poor job security, generally being employed on short-term contracts. This creates problems in obtaining a mortgage, for example.
If the Government is serious about developing Irish science and its economic potential, this issue must be addressed. - Yours, etc,
ALISON DONNELLY, Chairperson, Trinity Research Staff Association, Dublin 2.