# The Chaperone Effect in Scientific Publishing

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/1812.10181 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/1812.10181/

## Key facts

- Cited by 2 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- First posted on arXiv 26 Dec 2018.

## Built on by (most cited first, 2 of 2)

- [Forecasting Faculty Placement from Patterns in Co-authorship Networks](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2507.14696/) (2025)
- [Structural Diversity Drives Disruptive Scientific Innovation](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2605.12514/) (2026)

## Abstract (arXiv)

Experience plays a critical role in crafting high impact scientific work. This is particularly evident in top multidisciplinary journals, where a scientist is unlikely to appear as senior author if they have not previously published within the same journal. Here, we develop a quantitative understanding of author order by quantifying this 'Chaperone Effect', capturing how scientists transition into senior status within a particular publication venue. We illustrate that the chaperone effect has different magnitude for journals in different branches of science, being more pronounced in medical and biological sciences and weaker in natural sciences. Finally, we show that in the case of high-impact venues, the chaperone effect has significant implications, specifically resulting in a higher average impact relative to papers authored by new PIs. Our findings shed light on the role played by experience in publishing within specific scientific journals, on the paths towards acquiring the necessary experience and expertise, and on the skills required to publish in prestigious venues.