According to these scientists, competition contributes to strategic game-playing in science, a decline in free and open sharing of information and methods, sabotage of others’ ability to use one’s work, interference with peer-review processes, deformation of relationships, and careless or questionable research conduct. When competition is pervasive, such effects may jeopardize the progress, efficiency and integrity of science.

Melissa S. Anderson, Emily A. Ronning, Raymond De Vries, and Brian C. Martinson: The Perverse Effects of Competition on Scientists’ Work and Relationships