What's Happening?
A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reveals that informal research ties are more significant predictors of publication success than formal co-authorship in political science. The study analyzed acknowledgments
in over 130,000 political science papers published between 2003 and 2023, finding that informal connections form an 'invisible college' that provides social capital, enabling scholars to gain advice and feedback from a broader range of colleagues. However, access to these informal networks is unevenly distributed, potentially reinforcing academic stratification.
Why It's Important?
The findings highlight the importance of informal networks in academia, suggesting that these connections can significantly impact a scholar's career. This could influence how academic success is measured, potentially shifting focus from traditional metrics like citation counts to include the value of informal support structures. The study underscores the need for equitable access to these networks to prevent further stratification within academia, which could affect career opportunities and the diversity of ideas in scholarly work.
