Research topic switch and its relation to appointment as university leader

Researchers switch research topics for various reasons. Little attention has been given to whether topic switching occurs after an administrative appointment. This study examines the determinants of topic switch among Russian university leaders from 1985 to 2020. Two approaches are used: analysing changes in publication focus and comparing publications before and after appointment to assess the likelihood of topic switch. The study reveals that administrative burden significantly influences leaders’ publication patterns, considering years in office, academic productivity, and experience. The findings indicate that leaders tend to publish more on educational studies as their careers progress. Those with higher productivity focus more on their major area over time, while experienced leaders decrease their major area focus. Productive leaders have higher odds of switching within wider topic range, while experience does not have an obvious effect on a probability to switch topics while in office.