Exploring the Nature and Dimensions of Scientific Mobility

Abstract

Comprehending the characteristics or potential benefits of global mobility of scientists has been inadequate from academic/practical perspectives. The authors attempt to fill a theoretical gap by focusing on the nature/dimensions of the mobility of highly educated people to other countries. They analyze data from the Open Researcher and Contributor ID-ORCID database and examine the characteristics of scientists as well as the propensity of these highly qualified individuals to migrate. Using 6000 migration records of PhDs from 194 countries, the authors utilize visual analytics to explore the various dimensions of scientists and their movements. Results show that the largest numbers of researchers reside in developed countries; there is net inflow of PhD researchers to developed countries. Also, scientific immigration is impacted not only by the availability of research positions in academic institutions, but also by economics (supply/demand) as well as contemporary immigration policies and social trends.