City Research Online

Abstract

The present study looks at the relationship between collaboration and performance in science in a sample of 15 Mexican researchers from the National University of Mexico (UNAM) with high visibility in the international scientific literature. Three scientists were chosen from each of the following fields where the UNAM is known to make important contributions to world science: Biomedical Research, Chemistry, Physics, Astronomy and Astrophysics, and Geosciences. The links that the scientists had established with the international scientific community were analysed using a combination of methodologies. Curricular, bibliometric and scientometric data were used to determine aspects such as:
a)the research trajectory and environment of the 15 scientists; b)their publications in mainstream and non-mainstream literature and c)the relationship of these parameters with other variables, such as age and disciplines; d)co-authorships with institutional, national and foreign colleagues; e)the effect of sabbaticals and other prolonged visits to institutions abroad on the production of papers and co-authorship patterns; and f)the relationship between co-authorship and citations patterns. Taking into consideration that behind the bibliometric data is a multi-layered social world constructed of and driven along by the communication behaviour of individuals, which can be determined only by consulting the scientists concerned, the 15 scientists were asked to answer a questionnaire and were subsequently interviewed. Questions were designed to test the validity of assumptions derived from the analysis of the data in the first part of the study, as well as to determine the importance of links established with colleagues abroad, especially during sabbaticals. Results indicate the importance of contact and collaboration with foreign colleagues in the development of the research careers of Mexican scientists, as well as for facilitating their integration into the wider scientific community. The repercussions of this individual activity for the development of Mexican research is discussed, particularly in relation to possible gains for other colleagues and in the training of new researchers.

Publication Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Subjects:	Q Science > Q Science (General) Z Bibliography. Library Science. Information Resources > Z665 Library Science. Information Science
Departments:	School of Communication & Creativity > Media, Culture & Creative Industries > Library & Information Science School of Communication & Creativity > School of Communication & Creativity Doctoral Theses Doctoral Theses

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