Executive summary

The formation and careers of researchers are important policy issues and training for transferable skills – skills that apply in a broad variety of work situations – is a challenge that attracts increasing policy interest. These skills are receiving more attention, particularly in higher education programmes, and training opportunities are expanding as research careers diversify and researchers’ skills needs evolve. Researchers today need skills relating to communication, problem-solving, team-working and networking, and business and management know-how. These give them workplace competencies that are relevant for a broad job market, although the skills they need may vary in different sectors.