Hypercompetition in biomedical research evaluation and its impact on young scientist careers.
Recent years have seen tremendous changes in the modes of publication and dissemination of biomedical information, with the introduction of countless new publishers and publishing models, as well as alternative modes of research evaluation. In parallel, we are witnessing an unsustainable explosion in the amount of information generated by each individual scientist, at the same time as many countries' shrinking research budgets are greatly increasing the competition for research funding. In such a hypercompetitive environment, how does one measure excellence? This contribution will provide an overview of some of the ongoing changes in authorship practices in the biomedical sciences, and also the consequences of hypercompetition to the careers of young scientists, from the perspective of a tenured young faculty member in the biomedical sciences. It will also provide some suggestions as to alternate dissemination and evaluation practices that could reverse current trends. [Int Microbiol 18(4):253-261 (2015)].
Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
Shina Caroline Lynn
SC
Kamerlin
D001319:Authorship; D035843:Biomedical Research / Q000639:trends; D002321:Career Choice; D003163:Competitive Behavior; D059232:Laboratory Personnel / Q000523:psychology*; D011642:Publications; D000078329:Workforce
biomedical publications; excellence evaluation; information overload; research competition; young scientists careers