Australian contribution to global otolaryngology research: 2008–2018

Background: Obtaining research funding in Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery (ORL-HNS) can be challenging. In this paper, an analysis of research output in ORL-HNS in Australia and worldwide between 2008 and 2018 was conducted and then adjusted for the number of specialist surgeons in each country. Methods: Scopus by Elsevier was used to measure research output of Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) surgeons in Australia between 2008 and 2018. Each individual's career and 10-year h-index was identified and then repeated with self-citations excluded. Total and 10-year citations were also recorded. The top 15 countries in terms of research output in ORL-HNS were also ranked based on the number of ENT articles published in the 10-year period, and then adjusted by the number of actively practicing ENT surgeons per country. Results: Between 2008 and 2018, Australia published 1510 articles out of a total global output of 48 613 papers in ORL-HNS with the top 10 authors having an h-index placing them within the world's top 100. Whilst the USA made the greatest total contribution with 12 912 publications, when adjusted for the number of specialist ORL-HNS clinicians in each country, Australia, Canada and India in order topped the rankings. Conclusion: Australia has established itself as a research leader in the global field of ORL-HNS, publishing more articles per surgeon than any other country between 2008 and 2018. The Australian ORL-HNS Academic Surgeons also rank highly on an individual basis when compared to global peers.