Despite pandemic-related university cutbacks and rising inflation in many countries, the PhD pipeline still churns. In 2020, more than 55,000 people received a PhD in the United States, which produces more doctorates than any other country. Roughly 1.1% of the population in the 38 countries in the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (typically democracies that support free-market economies) obtained a PhD in 2021. And the percentage of doctorates awarded in science, technology, maths and engineering (STEM) has steadily increased over the past decade. In 2020, 12,561 life-science doctorates were awarded in the United States — 23% of all PhDs granted in the country that year, and nearly double the number awarded in 1990.
China, however, is projected to overtake the United States by 2025. At present enrolment rates, Chinese universities will produce more than 77,000 STEM PhD graduates per year by then, according to a 2021 report from the Center for Security and Emerging Technology at Georgetown University in Washington DC (see go.nature.com/3uwj9).
Earning one PhD is difficult enough — but there are the rare individuals who opt to swim extra laps in the stress pool to secure a second one. Some do it to carve out a distinct research niche for themselves, others to access resources that are unavailable in their home countries. Some might simply be overachievers. Nature spoke to three ‘double doctors’ to ask what they gained — and whether it was worth it.
Some scientists earn two PhD degrees to expand their skills, cross fields or create a niche research program.
Finishing one PhD program is challenging enough — but some academics go the extra mile and complete two.
VICTOR DIKE: Resources elsewhere can elevate your science
Climate scientist at the Institute of Atmospheric Physics in Beijing.
As a requirement of my first PhD program, which was in atmospheric physics at Imo State University in Owerri, Nigeria, I did a three-month stint at the International Centre for Climate and Environment Science in Beijing. The centre had computing power that wasn’t available in Nigeria. I realized that I would need more technical skills in meteorology to stand out in climate research. During my initial visit, I was always in the laboratory, from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. — I wanted to get all the experience I could during my time in China.
I have learnt some Mandarin, but my lab mates prefer using English, so they can practise it. I have finished my postdoc, but I remain at the same institute with funding from the National Natural Science Foundation of China. My expertise is in predicting severe weather events, such as seasonal precipitation extremes in different parts of the world, to help authorities mitigate disaster risk.
I wouldn’t do anything differently. I’ve been in China for almost eight years. Although I would like to go back to Nigeria to help train the next generation of scientists, the security situation related to recent terrorist activity is making me rethink that. Even now, I’m looking for opportunities anywhere in the world to continue my work. I want to contribute to science without risking my personal safety.
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