ABSTRACT
A well-functioning science system requires both creative and high-performing researchers and an environment in which they can flourish. However, a researcher’s natural life cycle affects his or her performance. Age and experience have nonlinear relationships with performance, resulting in a performance decline for the oldest and most experienced researchers (Costas, Van Leeuwen, & Bordons, 2010; Gingras, Lariviere, Macaluso, & Robitaille, 2008; Goodwin & Sauer, 1995; Simonton 1988, 2004; Sturman, 2003). Generation cohort membership also influences activities and performance of researchers (Bayer & Dutton, 1977; Kyvik & Olson, 2008; Levin & Stephan, 1991; Rauber & Ursprung, 2008).
