1 year ago
Study: Early Career Success in Science More Common in Developing Nations
Scientists who get a lot of citations (when other scientists mention their work) early in their careers are more likely to be from countries that aren't as developed, like China and India.
They also tend to work in areas like AI and environmental science.
Some of these scientists might be super talented, while others might be using tricks, like citing their own work too much, to get ahead.
The study looked at the top scientists, finding that more of them were from less developed countries and that some were using dishonest methods.
Study reveals patterns of scientists who become top-cited early in their careers.
Ultra-precocious scientists are often affiliated with institutions in less developed countries.
Fields like AI and environmental science have a higher concentration of ultra-precocious scientists.
Ultra-precocious scientists show higher rates of self-citation.
Some scientists may achieve top-cited status through manipulation and fraudulent means.
- Who
- Researchers led by John P. A. Ioannidis at Stanford University.
- What
- An analysis of top-cited scientists reveals patterns in their affiliations and research areas.
- Where
- Institutions in less developed countries, including China and India.
- When
- Between 2017 and 2023
- Why
- To understand factors contributing to early citation success in scientific careers.
Honest Researchers
Fraudulent Researchers
Achievement Pathways
Honest Researchers
Work and talent is recognized quickly, leading to citation impact.
Fraudulent Researchers
Fraudulent means, including manipulating data and self-citation.
Key facts
- Precocious Scientists
- Exceptional success in citations within first eight years
- Ultra-precocious Scientists
- Exceptional success in citations within first five years
- Focus Areas
- AI, environmental sciences, energy, image processing, mechanical engineering
- Data Source
- Scopus citation database
- Notable Affiliations
- China, India, Turkey, Iraq, Iran, Russia, Pakistan
Quotes
John P. A. Ioannidis
Researcher from Stanford University
“Precocious authors seem to be a mixture of some of the very best, outstanding scientists and some of the very worst, manipulative ones.”
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