Researchers in Argentina: Scientific vocation, publication strategies and time-management tactics

Abstract

We wanted to understand how the competitive scientific system affected researchers in Argentina, whose budget to finance science is noticeably lower than in other countries and historically unstable. The objective was to identify factors that influence scientific vocation, main publication strategies and time-management tactics. A structured survey was designed and circulated online for 6 months (2018/2019). The 684 valid responses were separated per academic stage: PhD students (41%), postdoc fellows (21%) and senior researchers (38%). National science policies (answer frequency = 0.69) and resources/funding availability (0.62) had a negative influence on scientific vocation. The difficulties to access to scholarships/full-time positions (0.48) had a negative influence mainly for younger researchers. Peer interaction activities were selected as positive factors for scientific vocation, for example work-team (0.51), which also stimulated the generation of new ideas together with the collaboration with other groups (0.76) and conference attendance (0.59). The most frequent publishing strategy to become a full-time researcher was publishing in high impact journals (0.87). However, young researchers mainly chose to make their findings public at conferences (0.57). Time devoted to scientific production was relevant (0.73) and followed by teaching (0.39), although the last was also the least stimulating activity for the generation of new ideas. Three highlights emerge from our results. First, scientific vocation is negatively affected by structural factors related to the scientific system and positively influenced by peer interaction instances. Second, to publish in high impact journals is the most advisable strategy to become a full-time researcher. Third, the most time-demanding activities are not those that most stimulate the generation of ideas. Emerging recommendations for National Science, Technology, and Innovation Ministry, Universities, and/or research organisms for early-career Argentine researchers are as follows: increase national science budget, encourage work-team meetings and stays abroad, keep contact with local communities, stakeholders and decision-makers.