- ”social networks of scientists whose members regularly communicated with each other, often publish together, and tend to cite each other’s work”
- these invisible colleges thus promote each other’s success and those who are not as connected fall short


University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

- When there are two scientists who are equal in everything else/productivity, the one with the most impressive university background and general credentials is more likely to be recognized 
- can be positive because a famous name on a piece of work certifies its importance and accuracy and the highest achievers can serve as role models for up-and-coming scientists 
- Linked to a self fulfilling prophecy-the general expectation that a famous scientist’s work is important causes people to give it more weight, thus furthering the scientist’s fame 
- When papers are written by a group of scientists, one of which is known well and the others not as much, people will over look the less known authors  

Matthew effects in science 

Rigney, D. (2010). Matthew Effects in Science and Technology. The Matthew effect: How advantage begets further advantage. Columbia University Press.

invisible colleges in the science field (Matthew effect)

- “‘Matilda effect’”-a matthew effect in science that has historically promoted cumulative male advantage and female disadvantage through the operation of old-boy networks and other discriminatory practices” 
- People argue that the matthew effect has made it much harder for women to advance in the science fields because small injustices in the evaluation of female work lead to larger and larger differences in the advancement of their careers (in comparison to men)

matilda effect (matthew effect in science)

- wealthy nations with well known science facilities and resources receive more citations than less developed countries 
- brain drain-"or the recruitment and development of scientific and other educated talent, usually though not always from less- to more-developed countries” 
- this takes away resources from underdeveloped countries, furthering their disadvantage

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