The rapid availability of methods has greatly accelerated research in many areas of the life sciences. Intense competition, combined with the enormous pressure to publish, is difficult to reconcile with high quality standards.

Quantitative publication output is currently a highly relevant factor in the life sciences as compared to other scientific disciplines. As a result, publication of thematically limited content or in sequential units has increased. Publications in the life sciences are usually classic articles in journals, though they may sometimes be presentations of results such as data or software packages.

In recent years, there has been a growing awareness that academic performance cannot be adequately described solely in terms of quantitative parameters but that other elements should be included in the evaluation: these include specific contributions to the communication of research, the establishment of methods and tools for research, concrete contributions to the promotion of early career investigators and to enhancing the quality and validity of results, and also patents (“Impact Beyond Academia”). In the clinical context, the conduct of clinical trials and the establishment of guidelines are also valuable supplementary parameters for academic achievement. When assessing scientific qualification, it is important to take into account the extent of clinical activity and time-consuming scientific committee work as well as the sheer effort involved in complying with ethical and legal requirements. Contributions that go beyond classic publications should be listed in CVs and research projects so as to raise visibility. This is why it is essential to disclose inactive periods so that these can be properly taken into account when evaluating research performance.