Technical and Research Support in the Modern Laboratory (Paperback)

Technical support is a key element in scientific research. Support staff provide important services that enhance the efficiency of the research process, and often posses particular skills essential to the successful conduct of research. yet they are seldom the focus of discussions on research policy. Both the detailed functions of technical support staff and the arrangements for funding them have changed substantially in the last two decades. The provision of such support is now under considerable pressure; in particular there are difficulties facing young researchers in securing the technical support necessary to establish themselves in the front line of their disciplines. This publication "Technical and research support in the modern laboratory" presents data on the provision of technical support in universities and Research Council institutes, and makes important recommendations to those responsible for funding and managing research in the nation's science base