Migration pattern analysis of faculty members based on scientific disciplines: the case of the University of Tehran

Choosing the right field of study is a crucial moment that can determine an academic's professional future. While it is typically recommended for those at the start of their scientific career to carefully select their field of study, studies in the field of field migration have shown that it often involves the transfer of knowledge and ideas between different fields. This research focuses on understanding the migration patterns of faculty members at the University of Tehran during the period from 1980 to 2022, specifically examining interdisciplinary shifts among academics. Data on faculty members’ academic backgrounds was collected, and 309 individuals with dual degrees were identified. VOS viewer and Node XL were used to illustrate their field mobility. With disciplines classified based on the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED). The classification of disciplines was based on the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED). The findings revealed that 74% of faculty members migrated to a completely different scientific field, while only 26% engaged in intra-field migrations. This indicates that most individuals crossed rigid boundaries between broad scientific fields rather than opting for neighboring fields within the same discipline. The study concludes that the pattern of field migrations highlights the artificiality of field borders and reflects researchers’ desire to foster communication and collaboration across various disciplines underscoring the importance of increased interdisciplinarity in scientific endeavors.