Purpose:This paper introduces a novel perspective on academic excellence,focusing on a researcher’s consistent ability to produce highly-cited publications,and demonstrates its utility in distinguishing highachieving...Purpose:This paper introduces a novel perspective on academic excellence,focusing on a researcher’s consistent ability to produce highly-cited publications,and demonstrates its utility in distinguishing highachieving scientists compared to traditional scientometric indicators.Design/methodology/approach:We formulate this new perspective using a simple yet effective indicator termed the“Academic Midas Touch”(AMT).We then empirically analyze how AMT aligns with or diverges from popular scientometrics such as the H-index,i10-index,and citation counts.We further evaluate AMT’s effectiveness in identifying award-winning scientists,using these awards as a proxy for recognized academic excellence.Findings:Our empirical analysis reveals that the AMT offers a distinct measure of academic excellence that does not fully correlate with commonly used scientometrics.Furthermore,AMT favorably compares to these traditional metrics in its ability to accurately identify award-winning scientists.Research limitations:The AMT emphasizes short-term citation accumulation,thus it may overlook longterm dynamics such as“sleeping beauties”.Additionally,mindful parameter tuning and contextual interpretation within a specific discipline or a meaningful cohort of peers are necessary.Finally,the AMT does not seek to fully capture the multidimensional complexities of research excellence such as collaborations,mentoring,and societal impact.Practical implications:The findings suggest that AMT can serve as a valuable complementary tool for evaluating researchers,particularly in contexts such as excellence recognition,award nominations,grant applications,and faculty promotions,providing an under-explored view of a researcher’s consistent ability to produce highly-influential publications.Originality/value:This work introduces a unique conceptualization and measurement of academic excellence,shifting the focus from cumulative impact to the consistent propensity for producing highly-cited publications.The resulting AMT indicator provides a fresh perspective that complements existing scientometrics,offering a more nuanced understanding and recognition of research excellence.展开更多
文摘Purpose:This paper introduces a novel perspective on academic excellence,focusing on a researcher’s consistent ability to produce highly-cited publications,and demonstrates its utility in distinguishing highachieving scientists compared to traditional scientometric indicators.Design/methodology/approach:We formulate this new perspective using a simple yet effective indicator termed the“Academic Midas Touch”(AMT).We then empirically analyze how AMT aligns with or diverges from popular scientometrics such as the H-index,i10-index,and citation counts.We further evaluate AMT’s effectiveness in identifying award-winning scientists,using these awards as a proxy for recognized academic excellence.Findings:Our empirical analysis reveals that the AMT offers a distinct measure of academic excellence that does not fully correlate with commonly used scientometrics.Furthermore,AMT favorably compares to these traditional metrics in its ability to accurately identify award-winning scientists.Research limitations:The AMT emphasizes short-term citation accumulation,thus it may overlook longterm dynamics such as“sleeping beauties”.Additionally,mindful parameter tuning and contextual interpretation within a specific discipline or a meaningful cohort of peers are necessary.Finally,the AMT does not seek to fully capture the multidimensional complexities of research excellence such as collaborations,mentoring,and societal impact.Practical implications:The findings suggest that AMT can serve as a valuable complementary tool for evaluating researchers,particularly in contexts such as excellence recognition,award nominations,grant applications,and faculty promotions,providing an under-explored view of a researcher’s consistent ability to produce highly-influential publications.Originality/value:This work introduces a unique conceptualization and measurement of academic excellence,shifting the focus from cumulative impact to the consistent propensity for producing highly-cited publications.The resulting AMT indicator provides a fresh perspective that complements existing scientometrics,offering a more nuanced understanding and recognition of research excellence.
