The Effects of Aging on Researchers' Publication and Citation Patterns
Author Information
Author(s): Gingras Yves, Larivière Vincent, Macaluso Benoît, Robitaille Jean-Pierre
Primary Institution: Observatoire des sciences et des technologies (OST), Université du Québec à Montréal
Hypothesis
What are the effects of aging on the scientific productivity and impact of researchers?
Conclusion
Older professors who remain active in research maintain high productivity levels until retirement, but their average scientific impact decreases until around age 50 before rising again.
Supporting Evidence
- The average age at which U.S. researchers receive their first NIH grant has increased from 34.3 in 1970 to 41.7 in 2004.
- Researchers start to rely on older literature at age 40, and their productivity increases at a slower pace.
- At age 50, researchers are the most productive, but their average scientific impact is at its lowest.
Takeaway
As researchers get older, they may publish less often but can still produce important work, especially if they collaborate with younger scientists.
Methodology
The study analyzed bibliometric data from 6,388 Quebec university professors who published at least one paper between 2000 and 2007.
Potential Biases
There may be a selection bias favoring young and highly productive researchers.
Limitations
The study is cross-sectional and may contain cohort effects and selection bias.
Participant Demographics
The sample consisted of university professors in Quebec aged 28-70.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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