Skip to main content

Unfortunately we don't fully support your browser. If you have the option to, please upgrade to a newer version or use Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, or Safari 14 or newer. If you are unable to, and need support, please send us your feedback.

Elsevier
Publish with us

Academic Leader of the Future: a Confidence in Research report

What does the future of academic leadership look like? A survey of global leaders reveals how AI adoption, funding pressures and global collaboration are reshaping research — and where leaders' views diverge, sometimes surprisingly, from the researchers they lead.

Download the reportopens in new tab/window

About the Academic Leader of the Future report

Academic Leader of the Future is part of Elsevier’s Confidence in Research series. Based on a global survey of 3,200+ researchers, including more than 570 research-active academic leaders from academia and government, the report examines how leaders are responding to the forces transforming research today. It explores how academic leaders are navigating AI adoption, research integrity, funding pressures, collaboration, talent mobility and the growing demand for societal impact. Whether you lead a department, faculty, or institution, the findings offer a timely benchmark for where the research community stands, and where it's headed.

Key findings

The report reveals where academic leaders and researchers see the future of research differently and where institutions have opportunities to close the gap. Here are a few of the key findings:

  • 69% of academic leaders believe AI will help drive new knowledge, compared with 59% of researchers.

  • Only 35% of academic leaders say their institution has good AI governance.

  • 74% of academic leaders say pressure to publish has increased over the past two to three years.

  • 47% of academic leaders expect research funding to increase, compared with 30% of researchers.

  • 61% of academic leaders believe research should deliver real-world benefits, compared with 49% of researchers.

Interested in this topic?

Sign up for our AI in Higher Education newsletter to receive updates on AI-related content, featuring thought-leadership, practical insights, and Elsevier's newest offerings in research and education.