Postdoctoral scholars exist under many titles at research institutions across the country.
These titles may include scholar, fellow, researcher, trainee or student. The title of 'scholar' will be used in this report to refer to any scientist or trainee with a doctoral degree who is considered to receive training or professional development in partial compensation for their efforts. These scholars provide valuable assets to the mentors and institutions at which they work. Benefits provided by these scholars to their host institution include funds received for overhead and for the work conducted at the host facility, the prestige of papers published by the fellow, the training that scholars provide to staff and students and the transfer of expertise from one institution to another. Furthermore, postdoctoral scholars can provide valuable management, technical and intellectual support to the research effort.