I congratulate Professor Tony Robards on his OBE. It is also a recognition of York as a centre for the biosciences.

Having attended the bioscience forum at the Central Science Laboratory I can certainly say that York has a thriving biotechnology industry.

It is a pity this has not translated into better jobs for contract research staff, the workhorses of the university.

I have been working at the university for nearly six years and I have had nine contracts (the ninth not yet signed) and have worked in three different departments. I have been flexible in following the jobs and I have been adaptable in learning many new skills.

My reward is my latest contract - just nine months long.

So I urge Professor Robards to remember the platform that helped launch you to your OBE. Make the university even stronger by giving its staff a bit more security.

Dr Richard Greaves,

Morehall Close,

Rawcliffe, York.

Updated: 11:14 Friday, November 22, 2002