I recently completed my dissertation of the same title. The evaluative purpose of the dissertation was twofold. The first was to determine if, as the title indicates, star academics garner increasing returns for the university they work at. The second was to determine what criteria helps academics in obtaining National Institute of Health (NIH) funds.  NIH provides the largest amount of federal funding for scientific research. As a result, receipt of NIH funds makes a significant contribution to university revenue. Conventional wisdom and some supporting research indicate that star academics bring in substantial amounts of grant money. They also attract a higher quality of supporting academics and graduate students. Continue reading →