Engineering's Umut Gurkan raises concerns of academia’s focus on publications and grants over impact

A call to redefine impact in academia

The Scientist: Umut Gurkan, the Wilbert J. Austin Professor of Engineering, expressed concerns that many in academia prioritize publications and grants over real-world impact, discouraging collaboration and risk-taking. Gurkan argued that success should be measured by societal contributions, translation to practice and partnerships with industry and policymakers to restore trust in science, foster innovation and better prepare future scientists.