Why so few Ps become As: The character, choices and challenges of South Africa’s most talented young researchers

In this research article, we examine why so few of the most promising young scientists in South Africa, those who obtain a P or ‘prestigious’ rating from the South African National Research Foundation, go on to obtain an A rating, i.e. become leading international scholars in their fields. Drawing on in-depth interviews with 36 P-rated scientists in the period 1983 to 2022, we found that personal characteristics (such as work ethic), the right international networks, and strong departmental support are among the key factors that explain the research accomplishments of highly successful achievers. Significance: The research is significant for two reasons. It explains why so few promising young scientists in South Africa become world leaders in their respective fields and, in particular, why even fewer young black scientists achieve the highest ratings in their disciplines.