Pressure to Publish Rises as Research Time Shrinks, Global Survey Finds
A new international survey reveals a growing strain on scientists worldwide: while expectations to publish are intensifying, the time and funding available for actual research are declining.
The Elsevier 2025 Researcher of the Future report—based on responses from 3,200 researchers across 113 countries—shows that 68% feel under more pressure to publish than they did two years ago. Yet only 45% say they have enough time to conduct research, and just 33% expect funding in their field to increase soon. In North America, optimism plummets to 11%, amid sweeping U.S. budget cuts to science.
“The demand for productivity has increased, yet opportunities for funding and skilled staff remain constrained,” said Claudia Suemoto, a gerontologist at the University of São Paulo.
“We’re doing more with less, and that can hurt the quality of research.”
Administrative overload, heavy teaching loads, and grant-hunting are the main culprits behind lost research time, according to respondents.
Scientists on the Move
Nearly 30% of researchers are considering relocating abroad within two years, seeking better work–life balance and research freedom. The figure rises to 40% in the United States but falls to 13% in China—reflecting, experts say, diverging national policies toward science.
“China has made it more attractive for scientists to stay, while U.S. politics have become increasingly hostile toward researchers,” noted Jacco van Loon of Keele University.
AI Enters the Research Workflow
The survey also underscores the rapid rise of AI in science. About 58% of scientists now use AI tools—up from 37% in 2024—mainly for literature reviews, data analysis, and writing. Yet fewer than one-third report having sufficient training or institutional guidance.
“AI can speed up research but must be used critically,” said Suemoto. “It’s only as reliable as the scientist interpreting it.”
Source: Elsevier, Researcher of the Future Report (2025); Nature doi: 10.1038/d41586-025-03623-2
Tags: Research Culture | Funding | Artificial Intelligence | Mobility | Academia