Parents shouldn't bet on a secure future in academia for their children

Parents paying around €6,000 a year for their children to go to college need to be aware that after 12-15 years in higher education - as an undergraduate, a PhD student and a postdoc - they may still be no nearer to a permanent job in college, writes Professor Pat O'Connor

Postdocs remain one of the most productive groups in research. Effectively they are generators of ideas and funding for permanent (predominantly male) STEM academics. 

Parents sending young people to higher education know only too well how expensive it is. They may feel safer having their daughter or son living in student accommodation for first year but that can cost €14,500 per year. 

Even if there is a college within commuting distance, the costs are still over €6,000 per year. With all the focus on the importance of research in tackling Covid-19 some of those young people may be dreaming of a career in scientific research.