Talking leadership 30: Paul Pauli on academia in Germany v the UK

does he remember how many committees and the number of chairs and members exist(ed) at U o Southampton? how many times such memberships and chairs change ? How many "development plans" he had to write and get approved ( ... as a full professor!) ? Did he get a note from the Dean because he was (obviously) "under-performing"? Had he to get the permission (from some one) to take GS for Ph D? That was in 2000 ! ... now it's not worse , it's the worst

I am also at Southampton and I was also 'bought' for the REF. Ironically, I never could have produced at Southampton what I produced to be hired at Southampton as I do not have the academic freedom to follow my own path for as long as it takes or to apply for the funding that would serve me best. We are micromanaged to the nth degree and need layers of approval for every small thing. I cannot even get the kind of computer I want. As the commenter above notes, it's the worst. And no we do not have secretaries, so the University is paying professors to photocopy and the like.

It is true that the German university system gives professors more freedom, autonomy and resources than the UK, but a higher teaching load of 9 hours over two rather longer semesters. The main problem within the Germany university is not mentioned at all in this piece - namely the "Mittelbau" with its high number of staff on fixed term contract who have limited freedom to do their research and are dependent on the Chair to which they are attached. Unless this changes and Germany universities move towards department structures and permanent posts at lower levels, the Germany system will always lack in competitiveness and attractiveness to the UK system.

Why wont any government body look at the issue of buying people for the REF? This unethical practice has to stop. Maybe it is a matter for the competition and markets authority as ultimately this is unfair competition albeit for government funding.