Pressure to publish is rising as research time shrinks, finds survey of scientists

"Scientists feel that the pressure to publish is rising, but that the time and resources they have to do the necessary research are falling, according to a survey of 3,200 researchers. The results come from Elsevier's 2025 Researcher of the Future report, which surveyed people from 113 countries between August and September, to assess how researchers view the evolving research landscape."

""As a researcher based in Brazil, I strongly relate to the survey's findings, particularly the growing pressure to publish despite limited time and resources," says Claudia Suemoto, a gerontologist at the University of São Paulo Medical School. "The demand for productivity has indeed increased in recent years, yet opportunities for funding and access to qualified personnel remain constrained in Brazil and other low- and middle-income countries.""

A survey of 3,200 researchers across 113 countries found 68% reported greater pressure to publish than two to three years ago, while only 45% said they have sufficient time for research. Only 33% expect funding in their field to grow in the next 2–3 years, falling to 11% in North America amid unprecedented US funding cuts. Researchers cite growing administrative and teaching demands and time spent seeking funding as reasons for reduced research time. Limited access to qualified personnel and constrained funding in low- and middle-income countries force researchers to do more with less, risking quality and innovation.

Read at Nature