What is it about?
This study examines the patterns, productivity, and impact of researcher mobility at Washington State University (WSU) over a 10-year period (2002-2012). Researchers were categorized as "mobile" (those who moved between institutions within or outside the U.S.) or "non-mobile" (stationary). The study found that 83% of active researchers at WSU were mobile, with mobile researchers having higher publication impact compared to non-mobile researchers. It also revealed that researchers moving between U.S. institutions had a higher research impact than those moving internationally, although international researchers were more prolific. The findings highlight the benefits of researcher mobility and collaboration for U.S. universities.
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Why is it important?
This study is important because it provides valuable insights into how researcher mobility contributes to the productivity and impact of academic research, particularly at U.S. research-intensive universities like Washington State University. It highlights the positive effects of mobility—both domestic and international—on the quality and influence of research output. By showing that mobile researchers tend to have higher-impact publications, the study underscores the importance of fostering mobility and collaboration across institutions. This can inform university policies, funding strategies, and international partnerships, ultimately enhancing research excellence and innovation. Additionally, it emphasizes the role of collaboration, both within the U.S. and globally, in advancing academic progress.
Perspectives
As a migrant who moved to the U.S., I find this study particularly meaningful because it underscores the value of researcher mobility in enhancing academic impact. The study shows that researchers who move between institutions—whether within the U.S. or internationally—tend to produce higher-impact work. This resonates with me because, as someone who has experienced moving between countries, I can see how exposure to different academic environments and perspectives can enrich research. It highlights the importance of fostering international and domestic collaborations, as these can lead to more innovative and influential contributions to academia. This study also reinforces the idea that mobility, even if temporary, can have a lasting impact on the quality of research and its global relevance.
Dr. Jane Payumo
Michigan State University
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Researcher mobility at a US research-intensive university: Implications for research and internationalization strategies, Research Evaluation, October 2017, Oxford University Press (OUP),
DOI: 10.1093/reseval/rvx038.
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