The Rand report concludes that, although adequate data and accurate assessments of labor market conditions are important for many different parties, early career and prospective scientists are especially vulnerable.
"Something quite unique about computer science: We don't have a postdoc tradition. That's because we have historically had so many positions available in Ph.D.-granting departments and available for fresh Ph.D.s. Traditionally, when you get your Ph.D. [in computer science], you've got some place to go. There was always more demand than there was supply, and industry was soaking up half."
At a session at the AAAS Annual Meeting, featured members of the ACS presidential committee on fixing graduate chemistry education, expounded on the report's recommendations.