A new global study has revealed a widespread problem in the scientific community known as the “Gollum effect.” This term describes possessive and territorial behaviors among researchers, which block collaboration and slow down scientific progress. The study, published in One Earth, surveyed 563 researchers from 64 countries, focusing on the fields of ecology, conservation, and environmental science.
What Is the Gollum Effect?
The Gollum effect is named after the possessive character from The Lord of the Rings. In academia, it refers to researchers or groups who hoard resources, data, or research sites, and refuse to share with others. This behavior stops the open exchange of knowledge and limits opportunities for collaboration. Instead of working together, some scientists keep information to themselves to gain a competitive edge.
How Common Is the Problem?
The study found that 44% of respondents had experienced the Gollum effect during their academic careers. Most said it happened a few times, but some reported many occurrences. The problem affects all genders and sexual orientations, but marginalized groups and early-career researchers are hit hardest. For example, 46% of marginalized respondents reported being affected, compared to 44% overall.
The Gollum effect is especially common during the early stages of a researcher’s career. More than half of those affected experienced it during their Ph.D. studies, and about a third during their master’s or postdoctoral work. This means that young scientists, who are just starting out, face the most barriers.
Who Is Responsible?
The main perpetrators are often senior researchers, supervisors, or members of competing research groups. These individuals may block access to important resources, refuse to share data, or prevent others from publishing research. Sometimes, even high-profile scientists are involved in these behaviors.
What Drives the Gollum Effect?
The study points to the hypercompetitive culture in modern academia as a key cause. There is intense pressure to publish papers and secure funding, which leads some researchers to act selfishly. Limited resources and fear of losing out push people to protect their own interests, even if it hurts the wider scientific community.
Impact on Careers and Science
The consequences of the Gollum effect are serious. Over two-thirds of those affected reported disruptions to their careers. Some had to abandon research topics, change institutions, or even leave academia altogether. This not only harms individual researchers but also slows down scientific progress and wastes resources.
The Gollum effect also discourages diversity in science. Marginalized groups and early-career researchers are more likely to be pushed out, which means fewer voices and ideas in important fields like ecology and conservation.
Solutions and Recommendations
The authors of the study say that tackling the Gollum effect requires major changes in academic culture and institutions. They recommend:
– Promoting open science policies, where data and resources are shared more freely.
– Increasing awareness about the problem, so more people recognize and report territorial behaviors.
– Creating accountability measures to penalize those who block collaboration.
– Supporting early-career and marginalized researchers with better protections and opportunities.
Why It Matters
Open collaboration is essential for solving big challenges like climate change and biodiversity loss. When researchers work together and share resources, they can make discoveries faster and find better solutions. The Gollum effect stands in the way of this progress. By addressing it, the scientific community can become more inclusive, innovative, and effective.
