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Early coauthorship with top scientists predicts success in academic careers

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  • Weihua Li

    (University College London
    London School of Economics and Political Sciences)

  • Tomaso Aste

    (University College London
    London School of Economics and Political Sciences)

  • Fabio Caccioli

    (University College London
    London School of Economics and Political Sciences
    London Mathematical Laboratory)

  • Giacomo Livan

    (University College London
    London School of Economics and Political Sciences)

Abstract

We examined the long-term impact of coauthorship with established, highly-cited scientists on the careers of junior researchers in four scientific disciplines. Here, using matched pair analysis, we find that junior researchers who coauthor work with top scientists enjoy a persistent competitive advantage throughout the rest of their careers, compared to peers with similar early career profiles but without top coauthors. Such early coauthorship predicts a higher probability of repeatedly coauthoring work with top-cited scientists, and, ultimately, a higher probability of becoming one. Junior researchers affiliated with less prestigious institutions show the most benefits from coauthorship with a top scientist. As a consequence, we argue that such institutions may hold vast amounts of untapped potential, which may be realised by improving access to top scientists.

Suggested Citation

  • Weihua Li & Tomaso Aste & Fabio Caccioli & Giacomo Livan, 2019. "Early coauthorship with top scientists predicts success in academic careers," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 10(1), pages 1-9, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:10:y:2019:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-019-13130-4
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-13130-4
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