Academic shortage threatens BSE research

02 July 1997

Academic shortage threatens BSE research

A shortage of academics is impeding attempts to find cures for diseases such as AIDS and bovine
spongiform encephalophathy (BSE), according to an independent
inquiry.

Doctors avoid becoming academics because pressure to teach students
and treat patients can leave little time for research. One third of
clinical professor posts could not be filled last year because no
suitable candidates came forward, according to the inquiry team which
was set up by university vice-chancellors.