Academic Rank Research Articles

InterCriteria Analysis as an intelligent tool for decision making: Investigation of Polish University Rankings

In the current investigation InterCriteria analysis as a decision making tool is applied to the rankings of Polish Universities aiming at determination of interdependences and influence of the indicators used for their rankings. Public University Ranking, Private University Ranking and Public Vocational Colleges Ranking in Poland for 2023 are in the focus of current investigation, as retrieved from the Perspektywy University Ranking website.

Gender and race in radiology: An intersectional analysis of the American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC) database from 1966 to 2021

PurposeTo describe trends in gender and racial representation within academic radiology in the United States over a 55-year period from 1966 to 2021. MethodsA retrospective analysis of the American Association of Medical Colleges database of radiology faculty members from 1966 to 2021 was conducted. Trends in academic rank and tenure status for five different ethnoracial groups (White, Asian, Black, Hispanic, and Native American) each subdivided into two gender identities (men and women) were analyzed. The proportional change over time of each demographic group per outcome was analyzed with linear regression models. ResultsBetween 1966 and 2021, White men comprised the largest demographic in academic radiology each year. A significant decrease in both White individuals (−0.51 % per year) and men (−0.30 % per year) were observed over the study period. Additionally, the only demographic groups with meaningful changes in representation were White women (+0.20 % per year) and Asian men (+0.23 % per year), followed by Asian women in later years. Underrepresented minority groups (Black, Hispanic and Native American) collectively comprised less than 5 % of all academic radiologists. Finally, within each demographic group, the representation of women consistently lagged behind men. Despite these relative increases, in 2021, the majority of US academic radiologists were White (59.1 %) and male (70.1 %). ConclusionHistorically underrepresented minorities, especially women within these groups, continue to face discrimination and are consistently the least represented in radiology. Initiatives that incorporate the intersectionality framework are imperative to break this cycle.

Instances of unethical performance of academic faculty members in conducting and publishing research works

BACKGROUND: Today, compliance with ethical principles and standards has become a concern of research ethics committees more than in the past, and the informed society is more demanding of researchers’ considerations and adherence. In this regard, a survey was conducted with the aim of determining instances of unethical behavior of faculty members in conducting and publishing research works. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was performed cross-sectional with 100 faculty members answering in the form of systematic random sampling from the scientific measurement system of the Ministry of Health of Iran in August 2023 and testing using a checklist containing 32 examples of unethical research behavior. The data were reported using descriptive statistics and analytical methods such as Student’s t-test and analysis of variance. RESULTS: The findings of this study showed some instances of unethical practice in the field of research by the respondents, including submitting the article instead of the corresponding author, adding a guest author in the article, mentioning untrue affiliation, not observing the conflict of interest, conducting judgment with connivance, overlapping publications, manipulation of results, and other cases according to the findings of the text of the article, which was reported in professors of the master’s degree with a higher average (0.001, 7.12), but according to the gender and academic rank of the respondents, no significant difference was observed in the averages. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study show some clear instances of unethical practices in the field of research among faculty members and academic groups, and it requires targeted planning and more seriousness to investigate and manage its causes. The results of the study can be used for scientific groups and individuals who are directly and indirectly affected by the research results and researchers’ performance.

Letter of Recommendation Characteristics Associated with Interview Offer to a Vascular Surgery Residency Program

BackgroundLetters of recommendation (LORs) are considered by program directors (PDs) to be an integral part of the residency application. With the conversion of USMLE Step 1 to a binary pass/fail outcome, LORs will likely have higher important in the application process moving forward. However, their utility in securing an interview for a particular applicant remains undetermined. This study aims to identify the applicant and LOR characteristics associated with an interview invitation. MethodsLetter writer (n=977) characteristics were abstracted from applications (n=264) to an individual integrated vascular surgery residency program over 2 application cycles. A validated text analysis program, Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count, was used to characterize LOR content. Applicant, letter writer, and LOR characteristics associated with an interview invitation was determined using multivariable analysis. ResultsLetter writers were 70.9% vascular surgeons (VS), 23.7% PDs, and 45.4% professors. Applicants offered an interview were more likely to come from a top 50 medical school (35.2% vs 25.8%, p=0.013) and an institution with a home vascular program (45.5% vs 34.1%, p=0.006). Alpha Omega Alpha membership was significantly associated with interview offer (28.4%, p<0.001). A greater proportion of letters from VS was associated with an interview offer (p <0.001) compared with letter writers of other specialties. One or more PD letters was significantly associated with an interview offer (79.55% vs 20.45%, p=0.008), whereas number of letters from APDs was not significantly associated with interview offer. Letters written by away institution faculty were significantly associated with interview offer (75%, p<0.001), whereas nonclinical letters were not. Presence of one or more letters from a chair (57.95% vs 42.05%, p=0.015) or chief (67.05% vs 32.95%, p=0.028) was significantly associated with interview offer. Letters for applicants offered an interview had more references to research and teaching, which were more common in letters written by VS. Letters written by PDs were more likely to use assertive, advertising language in favor of applicants. There were no significant applicant, letter writer, or LOR characteristics associated with a top 20 rank. ConclusionSuccessful applicants were more likely to have LORs written by VS, PDs, and those of higher academic rank with references to research and teaching.

Exploring the role of international rankings in the development of institutional public relations strategies

The study uncovered that educational institutions cannot exclusively rely on their international ranking achievements to maintain their legitimacy. Universities must prioritize strategic communication to enhance their competitive position in the global education market. The study employed a mixed-methods approach, encompassing in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with a cohort of 37 first-year students attending a private institution. The study revealed that students' decision-making process in selecting a private university was intricate and involved multiple aspects. In addition to rankings, students also considered variables such as parental influence, networking possibilities, and the level of facilities and support services provided by the university. Consequently, colleges should prioritize not only their rankings but also other marketing tactics to recruit students. Although university rankings like QS and Times Higher Education significantly influence the perception of institutions in terms of quality and prestige, it is advisable to adopt a more balanced approach. Access to information via digital platforms, such as websites and social media, has played a critical role in demonstrating the program's and university's reliability. Public relations initiatives, however, have focused on highlighting the excellence of education and the societal obligations of universities in the fiercely competitive higher education sector.

University Rankings Are Hurting Academia in Developing Countries: An Urgent Call to Action

University Rankings Are Hurting Academia in Developing Countries: An Urgent Call to Action

Gender dynamics and academic rank in emergency medicine collaboration networks: A social network and gender propensity analysis

BackgroundAcademic productivity is bolstered by collaboration, which is in turn related to connectivity between individuals. Gender disparities have been identified in academics in terms of both academic promotion and output. Using gender propensity and network analysis, we aimed to describe patterns of collaboration on publications in emergency medicine (EM), focusing on two Midwest academic departments. MethodsWe identified faculty at two EM departments, their academic rank, and their publications from 2020 to 2022 and gathered information on their co-authors. Using network analysis, gender propensity and standard statistical analyses we assessed the collaboration network for differences between men and women. ResultsSocial network analysis of collaboration in academic emergency medicine showed no difference in the ways that men and women publish together. However, individuals with higher academic rank, regardless of gender, had more importance to the network. Men had a propensity to collaborate with men, and women with women. The rates of gender propensity for men and women fell between the gender ratios of emergency medicine (65%/35%) and the general population (50%/50%), 59.6% and 44%, respectively, suggesting a tendency toward homophily among men. ConclusionOur study aims to use network analysis and gender propensity to identify patterns of collaboration. We found that further work in the area of network analysis application to academic productivity may be of value, with a particular focus on the role of academic rank. Our methodology may aid department leaders by using the information from local analyses to identify opportunities to support faculty members to broaden and diversify their networks.

Evolution of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine Physicians Clinical and Academic Profile by Gender.

To examine career trajectory and academic profile of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine (PCCM) physicians, with special focus on gender differences. Observational cross-sectional study of PCCM fellowship graduates using publicly available data. Publicly available databases including National Provider Identifier registry, American Board of Pediatrics, Doximity, official hospital websites, and Scopus. Two thousand one hundred twenty-nine PCCM fellowship graduates employed in clinical positions in U.S. practice locations. None. Physician demographic characteristics included gender and time since fellowship completion. Current career and academic characteristics included employment data, publication productivity (h-index), and academic rank. Data from 2129 career PCCM physicians was included, with recent graduates showing a notable increase in female representation. Workplace characteristics revealed that most PCCM physicians worked in university-affiliated hospitals, with higher percentages of female physicians working in university-affiliated hospitals compared with male physicians. The study also highlighted significant gender disparities in academic metrics, with male physicians having higher h-indices (3 vs. 2; p < 0.001) and more publications (6 vs. 4; p < 0.001) than their female counterparts across various career phases. Additionally, the analysis showed gender differences in academic rank, with a higher proportion of female faculty holding assistant and associate professor ranks (58.2% vs. 47.5%; p < 0.001), while a greater percentage of male faculty held the rank of professor (20.2% vs. 11.1%; p < 0.001). Multiple variable regression analysis identified both male gender and time since fellowship graduation as independently associated with a physician's h-index, while only time since fellowship graduation was linked to current academic rank. This is the first analysis of career and academic characteristics of practicing PCCM physicians, additionally studying the association of gender and career trajectory. Gender discrepancy was seen in employment hospital characteristics, h-indices, and academic rank. Additional studies are required to further explore the impact of gender on career trajectory.

Did Migrant Children Benefit from a Delay in the Dutch Primary School Exit Test?

This paper evaluates whether educational outcomes of first-generation migrant children improved relative to those of natives after a policy change which delayed an important primary school exit test by three months. Using Dutch register data and a difference-in-differences methodology, we show that the policy change increased the academic rank of migrants relative to natives upon first enrollment. The policy change, therefore, has had an important positive effect on the educational chances of migrant children. Our analyses suggest that the results are driven by higher relative exit test scores and higher relative teacher recommendations.

Navigating academia: Designing and evaluating a multidimensional recommendation system for university and major selection

AbstractSelecting the right academic major significantly shapes an individual's future career path, making it a longstanding focus of research. The shift to online platforms, accelerated by the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic, has transformed counseling and guidance systems. Consequently, developing robust online support systems has become imperative for extending guidance to all students. This article introduces the design, development, and evaluation of “My Future Career,” a multidimensional recommendation system (RS) crafted to aid students in navigating university and academic major selection decisions. The system relies on three key student‐driven parameters: central university entrance exam scores, rankings, and occupational personality types, utilizing cosine similarity and normalized distance to align user and item profiles. Following the system's completion, an assessment was conducted using data from real users, revealing an impressive accuracy (hit rate 100%, precision 88%) in recommendations following the inclusion of contextual post‐filtering features. The findings not only highlight the system's effectiveness but also underscore the positive user experience, as students express contentment with its ease of use and practical utility. The results emphasize the endorsement of expert's regarding the system's consistency (52%), relevance (96%), and acceptance (96%) in providing recommendations.

Foreign Practices of Application of Innovative Forms and Methods of Learning in the Educational Process

The article examines the most common methods and forms of education that are used in the educational process of higher education institutions in American and European countries for the formation and development of competencies and defines the main requirements for pedagogical technologies; problems in the educational field due to the increase of scientific and technical information and the introduction of innovative technologies are considered. The experience of using innovative forms and methods of learning in the practice of higher education institutions, which occupy the first positions of the international ranking of universities by QS World University Rankings, is analyzed; the current state of functioning of distance education in foreign HEIs was investigated; the types of the American model of the creation of integrated educational and scientific associations, in which educational innovations have the greatest productivity, are singled out, their impact on the quality of education is revealed; the prospects of using positive international experience in the implementation of educational innovations in the field of education of Ukraine are outlined. On the basis of the conducted research, recommendations have been prepared regarding the conditions under which the successful organization and design of the educational process will take place in higher education institutions of Ukraine by means of innovative pedagogical learning technologies.

Academic Professionals' Perspectives on the Challenges Encountered in Scientific Research at Al Ain University

This research aimed to explore the perceptions of academic professionals regarding the challenges encountered in scientific research at Al Ain University. The study involved a randomly selected sample of 600 academic leaders from the university. To fulfill the study objectives, a questionnaire comprising 33 items covering five main areas was developed: challenges related to publishing in accredited scientific journals, financial constraints, difficulties associated with faculty members, challenges related to working conditions and the educational environment, and obstacles in obtaining necessary research documents and information. Following data collection and analysis, the study found that academic leaders perceived the difficulties to be relatively low. Statistical analysis revealed no significant differences, at a significance level of 0.05, in the mean responses of study participants concerning the challenges of scientific research at Al Ain University based on gender. Additionally, no statistically significant differences (at a significance level of 0.05) were observed in the mean responses of study participants concerning research difficulties based on academic rank.

Pharmacy faculty expectations of and experiences with parental leave: A cross-sectional exploratory study

IntroductionParental leave policies have the potential to adversely impact faculty well-being and retention if not designed and deployed in a beneficial manner. This exploratory study aims to determine the perceptions of and experiences with parental leave for faculty at pharmacy institutions. MethodsAn exploratory, cross-sectional survey was sent to pharmacy school deans to distribute to faculty. The survey obtained demographic information and asked questions pertaining to parental leave experiences and expectations, including workload coverage and the perceived impact on performance evaluations. Comments regarding ideal parental leave were qualitatively summarized. ResultsFifty-five respondents who had taken parental leave completed the survey, and 51 free text responses were received. A large effect size for the association between academic rank and planned timing of leave and a larger than medium effect size for the association with gender identity was identified. ConclusionThe availability, duration, and requirements of parental leave at pharmacy institutions have the potential to negatively impact faculty well-being and retention. This exploratory study provides initial insight into pharmacy faculty's experiences with and expectations of parental leave. Further research is needed to examine this issue on a broader scale and corroborate these findings.

Gender representation in Canadian surgical leadership and medical faculties: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundOver the past two and half decades, Canadian medical school students have become majority female, and the medical workforce is therefore increasingly comprised of female physicians. Whether this change, however, has been reflected in the gender balance within medical school faculty positions and leadership has not been well studied in Canada.MethodsThis cross-sectional study examined the genders of full-time faculty members from the most recently available AFMC data, the current heads of departments of medicine and surgery from department websites and confirmed with respective universities.ResultsOverall, women held 40.5% of full-time faculty positions in Canadian faculties of medicine. Female representation decreased with increasing academic rank, from 57.8% of instructors to 50.8% of assistant, 39.2% of associate, and 28.1% of full professors, respectively, with the greatest rate of increase over the past decade among full professors (0.75% per year). The heads of departments of family medicine were majority female (67%), and heads internal medicine at parity (50% female), consistent with numbers of practicing physicians. However, the heads of surgical divisions were majority male (86% overall). Accounting for the gender balance of practicing surgeons, male compared to female surgeons were 2.9 times as likely to be division head (95% CI 1.78–4.85, p < 0.0001).ConclusionsWomen remain underrepresented in Canadian faculties of medicine in leadership positions. Leadership in departments of surgery has particularly low female representation, even relative to the proportion of practicing female surgeons within the respective discipline.

Evaluating Saudi Parental Interagency on Collaborative Initiatives for Successful Post-Secondary Transition of Students with Intellectual Disabilities.

Effective collaboration between schools and community agencies is paramount for the successful transition of students with disabilities to post-secondary educational settings. This study, conducted in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, focuses on assessing the level of collaboration from the perspective of parents of students with intellectual disabilities. Using descriptive analysis, data was gathered from 191 parents, and the results indicate a perceived low level of collaboration between schools and various agencies in planning and supporting the transition to post-secondary environments. The study results evaluate collaboration in three dimensions: (a) universities rank lowest with =1.61 and SD=1.102). (b) vocational training centers ranking highest (1st rank) with an = 1.97 and SD = 1.079), and (c) other relevant service centers 2nd rank with =1.69 and SD= 1.177. The findings emphasize the necessity for legislative measures directing agencies to engage in collaborative agreements with secondary schools. This proactive approach aims to enhance opportunities for students with intellectual disabilities during their transition to post-secondary education and training. The study concludes with implications for future research and recommendations for fostering improved collaboration and support mechanisms.

Overcoming barriers to career progression for mid-career female physician-scientists: Insights and solutions

Background Gender equity in academia is a significant challenge. To investigate career advancement perspectives of mid-career female physician-scientists, identify their needs and barriers, and develop a mentor-sponsorship strategy to improve their representation in higher academic ranks. Methods In this qualitative study, conducted at a Western European academic medical center, we interviewed 19 mid-career female physician-scientists across all specialties, including radiology. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results Four themes were identified: 1. Horizontal and vertical ambitions, (i.e., knowledge expansion and hierarchical advancement) 2. Evaluation of talent, 3. Career path needs, and 4. Receiving support. These themes revealed barriers to women's advancement, including limited talent recognition, inadequate leadership support, self-limiting beliefs, structural issues, and lack of networking opportunities. To address these challenges, a mentor-sponsorship program should prioritize sponsor training, start immediately at the beginning of the mid-career phase (attainment of assistant professorship), emphasize horizontal and vertical development, take work-life balance into account, establish mentor networks, and allow individuals to choose mentors and sponsors based on their needs and aspirations. Conclusions This study has identified key needs and barriers that impede the advancement of female physician-scientists in academia. To address these challenges, a tailored mentor-sponsorship program is recommended. Key program elements include training leadership to recognize talent and offer proactive support, starting at the onset of the mid-career phase, emphasizing horizontal and vertical development, and establishing a strong mentor-sponsor network with thoughtful matching. These actions can help to overcome obstacles and facilitate the progress of women in academia.

Burnout Among Mid-Career Academic Medical Faculty

Studies reveal that most physicians report symptoms of burnout. Less is known about burnout in mid-career medical faculty specifically. To characterize burnout and its risk factors, particularly differences by gender, among mid-career medical faculty. Between August 2021 and August 2022, a survey was sent to 1430 individuals who received new National Institutes of Health K08 and K23 career development awards from 2006 to 2009. Data were analyzed between June and October 2023. Personal and work-related burnout as evaluated using the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI). The CBI score ranges from 0 to 100, with a score of 50 or higher indicating a high degree of burnout. Multivariable models were used to investigate associations between burnout and participant characteristics, including race and ethnicity, sexual orientation and gender identity, academic rank, work climate, experiences of workplace sexual harassment, sleep hours, work and domestic caregiving time, and time allocation changes in work and domestic work hours compared with before the COVID-19 pandemic. Work climate was evaluated by a general climate elements scale assessing elements such as friendliness, respect, and collegiality, and a diversity, equity, and inclusion climate elements scale assessing elements such as homogeneity, sexism, and homophobia; higher scores indicated a more favorable view of the climate. In all, 1430 surveys were sent, 926 candidates responded (65% response rate), and the analytic cohort was limited to the 841 respondents who were still in academic medicine (50.7% men). Burnout was significantly more common for women than men (mean [SD] CBI personal scores, 46.6 [19.4] vs 37.5 [17.2]; P < .001; mean [SD] CBI work-related scores, 43.7 [20.4] vs 34.6 [19.7]; P < .001). In multivariable models, personal burnout was significantly more likely for women (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 2.29 [95% CI, 1.54-3.41]; P < .001) and with more weekly hours of patient care (AOR, 1.07 [95% CI, 1.00-1.15] for each 5-hour increase; P = .04). Personal burnout was less likely with more nightly sleep hours (AOR, 0.68 [95% CI, 0.56-0.81] for each 1-hour increase; P < .001) and with an improved general work climate rating (AOR, 0.64 [95% CI, 0.48-0.85] for each 1-point increase in general work climate scale score; P = .002). Work-related burnout was also significantly more likely for women than men (AOR, 1.77 [95% CI, 1.17-2.69]; P = .007). Greater work-related burnout was associated with an increase of 8 or more work hours per week compared with before the COVID-19 pandemic (AOR, 1.87 [95% CI, 1.13-3.08]; P = .01), more weekly hours of patient care (AOR, 1.11 [95% CI, 1.03-1.19] for each 5-hour increase; P = .007), and a workplace sexual harassment experience in the past 2 years (AOR, 1.71 [95% CI, 1.11-2.62]; P = .01). Work-related burnout was significantly less likely with more nightly sleep hours (AOR, 0.80 [95% CI, 0.66-0.96] for each 1-hour increase; P = .02) and with an improved general work climate rating (AOR, 0.49; [95% CI, 0.36-0.65] for each 1-point increase in general work climate scale score; P < .001). This survey study of K grant awardees revealed substantial rates of burnout among mid-career medical faculty, and burnout rates differed by gender. Evidence-based interventions are needed to realize the benefits of workforce diversity and vitality.

Development of university ranking scale for higher education institutions

Development of university ranking scale for higher education institutions

Do higher education institutions contribute to countries’ SDG progress: Evidence from university rankings

The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have become a universal call to action over the past few years and a basis for assessing the progress of sustainable development of countries and organizations. This paper aims to identify the relationship between the sustainable development activities of universities in different regions of the world, as reflected in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings (THE IR), and the progress towards achieving SDGs of the countries in which these universities operate. The research methods were correlation analysis and robust regression tools, and parametric and non-parametric methods of variance analysis. The information base was the results of annual reports based on the THE IR and Sustainable Development Reports for 2017–2021. The results confirm the existence of directly proportional close correlations between the variables, while the regression analysis confirmed that a one-unit increase in the overall THE IR ranking score leads to a corresponding increase in the overall progress of countries in achieving SDGs (on average by 0.2-0.3 units) and SDGs 3, 8, 11, 16 in particular. It was also found that universities play a key role in achieving different SDGs in various regions. In Latin America, the Caribbean, the Middle East, and North Africa, universities are critical for SDG 17 achieving. In OECD countries, universities contribute most to SDG 3. Examples of the best practices that can be used as a guide for university administrations that are at the beginning of developing sustainable development policies are also given. Funding Inna Makarenko gratefully acknowledges support from the Jean Monet module project “Transparency. Accountability. Responsibility. Governance. Europe. Trust. Sustainability” financed by the Erasmus+ program (101085395 – TARGETS – ERASMUS-JMO-2022-HEI-TCH-RSCH).

Examining the Role of Mentoring on Perceived Employability Among University Students in China

The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of mentoring on university students’ perception of employability in China and to investigate the role of mentoring duration, frequency, and mentor-mentee similarity as potential moderating factors. This quantitative study was conducted by administering an online survey among university students in China. All participants ( N = 1023) completed demographic questions and a Likert scale questionnaire consisting of 16 self-perceived employability scale items and 25 college student mentoring scale items. After controlling for the university students’ age, gender, academic field, and university rank, mentoring was significantly positively associated with perceived employability. Our results further reveal that out of the four mentoring functions, psychological emotional support is significantly positively associated with perceived employability. The findings suggest that mentoring duration, frequency, and mentor-mentee similarities shape the impact of psychological emotional support on employability. The findings of this study contribute to the literature on mentoring and perceived employability, and provide valuable insights for educators, policymakers, and mentoring program developers. By emphasizing the importance of key mentorship functions, educational institutions can develop effective mentoring programs and interventions to enhance university students’ career prospects and employability.