Moving beyond one’s alma mater, collaborating internationally, and being “mobile” are valued elements in contemporary research careers. In Switzerland, leaving one’s home university to complete a postdoc abroad appears to be an essential characteristic of a trajectory of scientific excellence.
However, studies have also questioned the universality, efficiency, and neutrality of the “mobility criterion” in academic careers. First, the scale and importance of mobility largely depend on national and disciplinary contexts1. Second, the links between geographical mobility and scientific collaboration, academic performance, and career progress are far from evident2. Third, mobility is sometimes identified as a factor contributing to career inequality and a loss of talent3.
Understanding the importance of mobility in Swiss academia, its specificities, and the way that gender and other social characteristics are involved in shaping mobile careers is essential in order to reflect on the current role of mobility in hiring processes and career management.