Role of the undergraduate student research assistant in the new millennium.
In this study, we analyze the contribution of the undergraduate student who participates in the process of generating scientific data and developing a research project using Brazilian research as an example. Historically, undergraduate students have performed the critical role of research assistants in developing countries. This aspect has been underappreciated as a means of generating scientific data in Brazilian research facilities. Brazilian educational institutions are facing major age-related generational changes among the science faculty within the next 5-10 yr. A lack of adequate support for graduate students leads to a concern that undergraduates will not be interested in choosing research assistant programs and, subsequently, academic research careers. To remedy this situation it is important to focus on ways to encourage new research careers and enhance university-industry collaborations.
Silva
Thais Dutra Nascimento
TD
Laboratório de Bioquímica e Modelagem Molecular, Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular, IB-CEG, Universidade Federal Fluminense, CEP 24001-970, Niterói, RJ, Brazil.
da Cunha Aguiar
Lúcia Cristina
LC
Leta
Jaqueline
J
Santos
Dilvani Oliveira
DO
Cardoso
Fernanda Serpa
FS
Cabral
Lúcio Mendes
LM
Rodrigues
Carlos Rangel
CR
Castro
Helena Carla
HC
D000818:Animals; D001938:Brazil; D002321:Career Choice; D002322:Career Mobility; D004500:Education, Graduate; D035082:Federal Government; D005257:Fellowships and Scholarships / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D012108:Research Personnel / Q000191:economics / Q000193:education* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012586:Science / Q000191:economics / Q000193:education*; D013219:State Government; D013334:Students / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014495:Universities