A Question of (Academic) Honour? Motivations for Member Participation in Advisory Boards in the German Science System

Abstract The paper analyses the motivations of academics to participate in advisory boards that are active within the German science system. Based on the results of an online survey and interviews, reasons for joining a board, staying active as well as reasons for disengagement are explored. The respondents of the survey and the interviewees include both members of advisory boards and their academic coordinators. In the final section of the paper, several possible changes in the work of boards that may influence members' motivation are discussed.