What is a PhD?

This might seem like an unusual topic, as most scientists seem to know exactly what a PhD is and for what it stands. But on closer inspection, a PhD has as many meanings as there are educational systems. It is not—and has never been—a single, well‐defined qualification. As research practices and funding change, the situation becomes even more confused, with consequences for the quality of both scientific training and research.I received my PhD from a British university. After three years of research, I submitted a three‐centimetre‐thick thesis that addressed a specific problem. Being awarded my doctorate meant that I knew my topic, I understood enzymology, I could work with proteins and I was able to navigate the complexities of enzyme kinetics. I was not qualified for the title until I was able to demonstrate all these things. In essence, my PhD showed that I developed from a dependent student into an independent scientist.Since then, PhDs in the UK seem to have changed. More often than not, a PhD is now awarded after the completion of a fixed term of …