DORA: The San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment

The Journal Impact Factor is frequently used as the primary parameter with which to compare the scientific output of individuals and institutions. The Journal Impact Factor, as calculated by Thomson Reuters, was originally created as a tool to help librarians identify journals to purchase, not as a measure of the scientific quality of research in an article. ............... Do not use journal-based metrics, such as Journal Impact Factors, as a surrogate measure of the quality of individual research articles, to assess an individual scientist's contributions, or in hiring, promotion, or funding decisions.

http://am.ascb.org/dora/

Nature: China needs workers more than academics

Same problem of unemployed graduates and shortage of skilled workers in Malaysia. University education is valued but vocational education is held in deep and wide contempt. 

http://www.nature.com/news/china-needs-workers-more-than-academics-1.13428?WT.ec_id=NATURE-20130725

STUDY FELLOWSHIP IN COMMEMORATION OF EI’S 20TH ANNIVERSSARY

This year, Education International celebrates its 20^th anniversary. Since its founding in 1993, EI has grown to be the voice for the teaching profession worldwide, representing today over 30 million educators, from early childhood to university, through about 400 member organisations in 171 countries.  EI advocates for quality education for all and for improving professional standards, and the status of teachers and their rights. EI also advocates for human rights and equality for all girls and boys, women and men.

As we celebrate Education International’s 20th Anniversary, we are pleased to announce an EI study fellowship for PhD or post-doctoral scholars. The study fellowship will be funded through the Mary Futrell Scholarship Fund, which was created in honour of EI’s founding President. 

The study fellow will undertake research investigating education and teacher policy and practice worldwide with a focus on an assessment of Education for All (EFA) and education Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), including achievements and challenges, with a view to informing the post-2015 development and education agenda. 

A scholarship stipend of up €40 000 will be offered to a PhD candidate or post-doctoral fellow enrolled in a recognised higher education institution for a period of up to two years. The study fellow may spend part of their time at the EI headquarters in Brussels and be attached to the EI Research Institute and/or the Education and Employment Unit. EI’s official languages are English, French, Spanish and German. The working language of the EI Secretariat is English.

Successful applicants will have a successful research record and demonstrated competence in one or more of the following areas:

·         International comparative education

·         Education management, policy and planning

·         School and teacher leadership

·         International development and education

Interested candidates who meet the above criteria should submit their CV along with a covering letter detailing their qualifications and research experience to:

Education International

Attention: Mr Dennis Sinyolo, EI Senior Coordinator, Education and Employment

5bd du Roi Albert 11

1210 Brussels

Belgium

Fax: +32 2 224 06 06

E-mail: dennis.sinyolo@ei-ie.org

The closing date is 15 July 2013. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.