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Where Do Scholars Move? Measuring the Mobility of Researchers Across Academic Institutions

Where Do Scholars Move? Measuring the Mobility of Researchers Across Academic Institutions

This blog post demonstrates how scientometrics can help trace mobility patterns at the institutional level, using the Dimensions database.

University Vs. Research Institute? The Dual Pillars of German Science Production, 1950-2010

University Vs. Research Institute? The Dual Pillars of German Science Production, 1950-2010

The world's third largest producer of scientific research, Germany, is the origin of the research university and the independent, extra-university research institute. Its dual-pillar research policy differentiates these organizational forms functionally: universities specialize in advanced research-based teaching; institutes specialize intensely on research. This article discusses the future utility of the dual-pillar policy.

Unequal Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Scientists

Unequal Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Scientists

COVID-19 has not affected all scientists equally. A survey of principal investigators indicates that female scientists, those in the 'bench sciences' and, especially, scientists with young children experienced a substantial decline in time devoted to research. This could have important short- and longer-term effects on their careers, which institution leaders and funders need to address carefully.

Former Harvard Researcher Who Harassed Postdoc Sparks Row at Italian Institute

Former Harvard Researcher Who Harassed Postdoc Sparks Row at Italian Institute

A research institute that appointed Pier Paolo Pandolfi as its scientific director has reversed its decision after internal protests.

Supporting Faculty Careers Amid a Season of Uncertainty

Supporting Faculty Careers Amid a Season of Uncertainty

As higher education experiences profound upheaval, colleges and universities need to double down on their efforts to better support faculty and their professional development, write Andrew Rosen and Jaime Lester.

Protected by Decades-Old Power Structures, Three Renowned Harvard Anthropologists Face Allegations of Sexual Harassment

Protected by Decades-Old Power Structures, Three Renowned Harvard Anthropologists Face Allegations of Sexual Harassment

Senior Anthropology professors Theodore C. Bestor, Gary Urton, and John L. Comaroff have weathered allegations of sexual harassment, including some leveled by students. But affiliates said gender issues in the department stretch beyond them.

Doctors and Postdocs in Political Science in Switzerland. A Study Conducted by the Swiss Political Science Association.

Doctors and Postdocs in Political Science in Switzerland. A Study Conducted by the Swiss Political Science Association.

This report shows the results of a survey conducted in spring 2019 among all people who received a PhD in political science from a Swiss university during the last eleven years (2008 to 2018) and among postdocs working in a Swiss university in June 2019. Thus, this survey sheds light on the experiences and career paths of both postdocs and doctors in political science who left academia. Moreover, it compares the results regarding postdocs with a similar study carried out in 2012.

How Academia Resembles a Drug Gang

Academic systems rely on the existence of a supply of "outsiders" ready to forgo wages and employment security in exchange for the prospect of uncertain security, prestige, freedom and reasonably high salaries that tenured positions entail.

Seven Female Scientists You May Not Have Heard of

Seven Female Scientists You May Not Have Heard of

The government is being told to act over a "lack of visible role models for girls" in science. Here's a whole array they could use.

Avoiding Disgruntlement and Burnout from Too Much Service Work

Avoiding Disgruntlement and Burnout from Too Much Service Work

People who do too much service can take longer to advance in their careers, are often unhappy with how service is distributed in the department and are more likely to burn out or leave the academy, write Rachel McLaren and Anthony Ocampo, who offer tips for avoiding that.

The Data Science Revolution: An Interview with Xiao-Li Meng

The Data Science Revolution: An Interview with Xiao-Li Meng

An interview with Xiao-Li Meng, Professor of Statistics at Harvard University, about the increasingly central role data science is playing in research and teaching - and how journals, publishers, societies, and librarians fit in this emerging ecosystem.

Chair and Fellowships in Academic Research Quality and Improvement created at University of Bristol

Chair and Fellowships in Academic Research Quality and Improvement created at University of Bristol

The University of Bristol announced the creation of a new Chair of Academic Research Quality and Improvement and six associated Fellowships.

Science Must Move with the Times

Science Must Move with the Times

Can science continue to fulfil its social contract and to reach new horizons by advancing on the same footing into the future? Or does something need to shift?

Research Culture: One Year on

Research Culture: One Year on

One year ago, the Royal Society hosted the Research culture: Changing expectations conference. The conference ended with a call to action for attendees to consider how they could improve research culture in their own institutions. In this blog we report back on a snapshot of the work of some of these individuals and organisations.