Why start a higher degree by research? An exploratory factor analysis of motivations to undertake doctoral studies

Despite the increasing numbers of candidates embarking on higher degrees by research (HDRs, e.g., PhD, professional doctorate, practice-based doctorate), we still have limited knowledge about why they are choosing this path. What are the factors that motivate students to embark on research degrees? Given that many of those who succeed in completing their doctorates will not go into academic positions, the motivations for choosing to undertake a research degree may not match the experience or outcomes (and hence, perhaps, contribute to incompletion rates). This article investigates the motivations of students in all faculties embarking on HDRs at an Australian university. A survey of 405 students was subjected to a factor analysis. Five factors emerged: family and friends, intrinsic motivation, lecturer influence, research experience, and career progression.Cally Guerin, Asangi Jayatilaka, Damith Ranasing

fac,cis-bromidotricarbonylbis(tribenzylphosphine)rhenium(I)

Crystals of the title compound, fac,cis-[ReBr(C21H21P)2(CO)3], were obtained by recrystallization of a sample from CHCl3 layered with hexane. The geometry about the d6 ReI centre is (distorted) octa­hedral with the three CO ligands fac and the two tribenzyl­phosphine ligands cis. In accordance with the trans influence, the Re-C bond trans to Br is significantly shorter than those trans to the organophos­phine ligands