Higher mobility among researchers identified as potentially talented academics compared to a control group

In a previous study, identifying potentially talented researchers worldwide using publication data has been proven successful using performance measures compared with citations and funding data. In this study, we investigated scientific mobility among potentially talented researchers and a control group who were also selected based on publication data. We reconstructed the scientific mobility trajectory of these researchers throughout their scientific careers to study whether the potentially talented researchers have a higher propensity to be mobile than the control group. Our results indicate that potentially talented researchers are more likely to be mobile. Higher mobility is a privilege. Specific groups, such as those with fewer caring responsibilities or visa restrictions, could have better access to this privilege. Further research on inequality of access to mobility, and the trade-off between the potential advantages and disadvantages of higher mobility as a strategy to build a successful academic career is necessary.