Study Reveals Tenured Scientists Produce Less Impactful Work

Researchers in the United States have found that tenured scientists tend to produce work that is more novel but ultimately less impactful. This conclusion emerges from an extensive analysis of over 12,000 academics across 15 disciplines. The study, led by data scientist Giorgio Tripodi from Northwestern University, examined academic publication histories both five years before and five years following the attainment of tenure.

The findings indicate a notable pattern in publication rates. During the tenure-track phase, publication rates rise sharply, often peaking in the year preceding the granting of a permanent position. Following tenure, the average publication rate stabilizes at a level comparable to this peak. Tripodi describes the tenure system in the US as a “peculiar contract” that includes an extended probation period followed by a permanent appointment. This structure incentivizes academics to maximize their research output and avoid high-risk projects during the tenure process.

Impact of Tenure on Research Output

The research highlights a divergence in post-tenure productivity between different academic fields. In non-lab-based disciplines, such as mathematics, business, economics, sociology, and political science, researchers experience a decline in output after achieving tenure. In contrast, scientists in lab-based fields, which include physics, maintain publication rates that are consistent with their pre-tenure levels. Tripodi notes that collaborative teams and ongoing funding in laboratory settings may support sustained productivity following tenure.

The analysis also examined the quality of research output by assessing the proportion of high-impact papers, defined as those published in the top 5% of a discipline. Across all fields studied, researchers produced a greater number of high-impact papers prior to obtaining tenure. Although the novelty of research—characterized by atypical combinations of work—tends to increase over time, the most innovative papers predominantly appear post-tenure.

Tripodi explains that once tenured, scientists often shift their focus from simply publishing to exploring more ambitious research endeavors. This transition may account for the observed plateau or decline in publication output post-tenure. He remarks, “Our results show that tenure allows scientists to take more risks, explore novel research directions, and reorganize their research portfolio.”

Implications for Higher Education

These findings raise important questions about the structure of the academic tenure system and its impact on research productivity and quality. If tenured faculty are producing less impactful work, institutions may need to reconsider how they evaluate research output and support their faculty in their post-tenure careers. The study underscores the complexity of academic career trajectories and suggests that while tenure provides job security, it may also lead to a decrease in the overall impact of scholarly contributions.

As the academic landscape continues to evolve, understanding these dynamics will be crucial for universities aiming to foster environments that balance both innovation and meaningful research outcomes. The implications of this research extend beyond the individual academics involved, affecting how institutions shape their policies and support systems for faculty in the years to come.