Lack of opportunity for publications for young scientists?

Abstract

Compared with previous generations, young scientists are finding it increasingly difficult to publish their work and secure permanent employment, Young Gasteiner Sarah Cuschieri writes in her guest contribution. Academic research communities face an ongoing struggle to keep up with the growing publishing demands imposed by various scientific institutions. Indeed, we are living in a “publish or perish” era, where publishing has become a requisite for everyone, from undergraduate students to professors, to progress and maintain a career. The result? Fierce publishing competition amongst academics and a challenging environment for young scientists to make their voice heard. Young scientists from small countries or institutes are at an even greater disadvantage, often having their work rejected because “the study population is small”. This is geographical and social inequality at its worst, for the main aim of any scientific publishing is to enhance the knowledge of the scientific community and not just showcase the big names or highly funded studies from larger countries or more well-known institutes. [Excerpt]