Professional development of physics faculty in higher education

Expand
  • China National Demonstration Center for Experimental Applied Physics Education, College of Physics, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China

Received date: 2025-09-12

  Revised date: 2025-10-01

  Online published: 2026-08-06

Abstract

Focusing on the high-quality development of university physics faculty, this study analyzes questionnaires with multi-dimensional cross-tabulations and proposes an integrated framework linking profile → pain points → teaching–research relationship → satisfaction → policy. The sample is dominated by PhD holders, mid-/senior ranks, and ages less than 45. Findings show institutional/policy constraints are the primary bottleneck (strict definition 37.5%; broad definition including personal–institutional overlap 63.2%). Alignment and mutual reinforcement between courses and research markedly raise satisfaction (satisfied 44.4%, dissatisfied 3.7%), whereas “different & independent/teaching crowds out research” configurations depress it. In terms of effort allocation and role type, “balanced investment” performs better (satisfied 30.2%, dissatisfied 14.0%), as does the “teaching–research combined” track (31.6%, 17.7%). We recommend multi-track roles with dynamic evaluation, semester–vacation rhythm management with protected research time, organized course–project embedding with cross-institutional resource sharing, and targeted mentorship with buffered onboarding. The results provide actionable evidence for governance reforms and individual career planning in physics faculties.

Cite this article

CAO De-rang, XU Jie, CHEN Dong, WANG Ru-lin . Professional development of physics faculty in higher education[J]. College Physics, 2026 , 45(5) : 53 . DOI: 10.16854/j.cnki.1000-0712.250508

Outlines

/