Working with a top scientist gives a junior researcher a boost that lasts a lifetime
Co-authoring with someone outstanding in their field increases the chance that a young scientist will become a leader too
A junior researcher who gets their name on a paper with a top scientist receives a competitive advantage that lasts throughout their entire career, and gives them a better chance of becoming a highly cited scientist themselves. But it’s young academics at less prestigious institutions who have the most to gain from top co-authors.