Academic Faculty Affiliated with University Research Centers: Selection Dynamics

Abstract

University research centers constitute a new part of the science policy repertoire committed to strategic use of science and technology and prove influential to individual career development. The existing literature casts much light on the challenges arising from managing centers and the potential benefits participants may receive, with little attention paid to the selection dynamics through which individuals gain affiliation with centers. The selection process not only shapes the extent to which centers fulfill their missions, but also structures the distribution of potential career benefits. Based on a representative sample of academic scientists and engineers in research extensive universities, this article investigates the dynamics of individual affiliation with centers. The findings suggest that university research centers represent a combination of cumulative advantage and equal treatment, reinforcing advantages on prolific scientists and those in prestigious departments and providing equal treatment for scientists with different demographic backgrounds. Instead of being career distractions, center affiliation proves more appealing to junior scientists than tenured peers. The study concludes with a discussion of the policy implications in the science enterprise.