How much are researchers worth?
The European Commission has launched a survey to find out more about the salary and benefits earned by researchers working in the public and private sectors, both in the EU and in countries associated with the Framework Programme. The anonymous questionnaire asks questions on total yearly earnings, as well as on any advantages provided for in the researcher's contract, such as health care, pension, accident insurance and child allowance. The overall aim of the survey is to obtain better understanding of a researcher's economic status, with a view of reversing the brain drain and improving the attractiveness of Europe for researchers. The Commission says it also intends to use the survey's results 'to assess the adequacy of its remuneration schemes'.