Signals emitted by the research support system: tensions at the orientation of knowledge production and academic careers in Uruguay.

Authors

  • Mariela Bianco Comisión Sectorial de Investigación Científica (CSIC), Universidad de la República, Uruguay.
  • María Goñi Mazzitelli Comisión Sectorial de Investigación Científica (CSIC), Universidad de la República, Uruguay.
  • Cecilia Tomassini Comisión Sectorial de Investigación Científica (CSIC), Universidad de la República, Uruguay.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.48160/18517072re39.626

Keywords:

academic evaluation, academic careers, knowledge production, university, uruguay

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to analyze how current changes in the Uruguayan research reward’s system biases the orientation of academic careers and the kind of knowledge produced. We propose to visualize evaluation criteria as signals that influence and create tensions in researchers’ everyday decisions. First, a brief review is made regarding the major changes at the institutional context for promotion of academic careers and knowledge generation in Uruguay. Second, we analyze perceptions from researchers at different knowledge fields regarding the effects of current academic evaluation mechanisms at two interrelated levels: knowledge production and academic careers. In the field of knowledge production, contradictions between “production of quality” and “quantum of production” are expressed, as well as the coexistence of incentives to promote innovation and productivity-based assessment criteria. Regarding the orientation of academic careers, a dilemma emerges regarding the time devoted to different activities involved in their development. Finally, the main results are summarized and relevant questions for future research are suggested.

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Published

2014-12-15

How to Cite

Bianco, M., Goñi Mazzitelli, M. ., & Tomassini, C. (2014). Signals emitted by the research support system: tensions at the orientation of knowledge production and academic careers in Uruguay. Redes. Journal of Social Studies of Science and Technology, 20(39), 159–182. https://doi.org/10.48160/18517072re39.626