On the presence of advisors on university selection committees

Abstract

Ethical aspects are discussed concerning the formation of examining boards, focusing on the presence of former advisors and co-authors of the candidates. Bias and partiality are reviewed in the context of human evolution, also taking into account to the issue of discrimination. It is argued that, to avoid conflict of interests, it should be avoided the presence of both friends (in the sense of favored) and enemies (in the sense of rejection) in these committees. Finally, co-authorship nature is questioned as a predictor of friendship.