Chalmers University of Technology aims to increase value of invisible work

Chalmers University of Technology is currently examining the impact of so-called academic citizenship – work that often goes unnoticed and unrewarded, despite being vital for the university's functioning.

Research led by post-doc Bri Gauger at Chalmers' Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering reveals that while tasks like student supervision, work environment development, and supporting colleagues are critical for the academic atmosphere, they detract time from activities such as publishing and securing research funding, which hold higher academic career progression value.

Gauger argues that the imbalance between academic citizenship and other responsibilities is problematic, noting that research indicates women and minority groups tend to dedicate more time to these undervalued duties. This can hinder the career advancement of early-career researchers, even as the university seeks to attract and retain such personnel.

In 2021, Chalmers incorporated academic citizenship as an assessment criterion in its appointment regulations for teaching and research faculty. However, Gauger emphasizes this is merely a preliminary step, stressing the need for structural and cultural shifts to ensure this work is genuinely valued and rewarded in recruitment and promotion processes.

The university plans to implement a strategy, "Academic citizenship recognition strategy," in spring 2024 to boost awareness and ensure that academic citizenship efforts are acknowledged and appropriately valued. By expanding the study to other departments and collaborating with the university's central administration, the aim is to discover generalizable solutions that enhance job satisfaction, the work environment, and research outcomes, thereby making Chalmers a more appealing workplace.