Abstract & Overview
Scientists have had a role in higher education since the very first institutes of higher education. While this role has evolved considerably in the last century, the period that has seen the most significant changes has been the last four decades. The rapid expansion of the higher education sector and the massification of education through the commitment of the state to free education has seen the role of scientists in higher education in Ireland swell to incorporate new responsibilities and expectations. In this paper a brief history of the role of scientists in higher education and the recent changes to that role are presented. Although these changes are focused on the role of Irish scientists, similar changes can be identified across Europe. A new strategy for supporting scientists in higher education is proposed — a research-informed masters programme in science education that provides the necessary skills and experience for early career scientists in higher education to cope with the demands of their positions.