Nature Podcast What's the best way to become a professor? The answer depends on where you are
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Jan 22, 2025 Yosuke Togashi, a researcher from Okayama University, investigates how mitochondrial transfer impacts T-cells and cancer. The discussion reveals striking disparities in global academic hiring practices, potentially locking out talent based on regional standards. Togashi highlights the emerging understanding of cancer cells transferring dysfunctional mitochondria to immune cells, which hampers immune responses. Additionally, exciting research on hidden tattoos in mummified skin and a new flu treatment adds a captivating twist to the conversation!
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Barriers to Academia in Low-Income Countries
- Yensi Flores-Breso, originally from Honduras, faced barriers in pursuing an academic research career.
- International publication requirements and limited funding created challenges.
Shifting Evaluation Criteria
- Institutions in high-income countries are shifting away from relying solely on publications and citations for candidate evaluation.
- Upper-middle-income countries still heavily emphasize these metrics.
Cost of Assessment
- Assessing researchers based on quantitative metrics like publications is cheaper than comprehensive peer review.
- This might explain why some countries still rely heavily on such metrics.