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The Scottish Higher Education Funding Council is investing Pounds 200,000 in tackling the career concerns of contract research staff, writes Olga Wojtas, Scottish Editor.

Juliet Cheetham, former director of Stirling University's social work research centre, is cordinating the project with members of the Committee of Scottish Higher Education Principals and the Association of University Teachers Scotland.

They hope to set up a network of individuals responsible for contract staff who will adopt a common approach to employment and career management.

A series of courses for research staff starts next week, looking at career options inside and outside higher education to help them identify transferable skills and how to present themselves well to employers.

Information on research vacancies in Scottish higher education will also be shared.

The AUTS has welcomed the move. Research officer Maureen Kelly said: "These measures to help researchers develop their careers in Scotland will assist institutions in attracting the highest quality staff as well as benefit the wider economy."