Academia’s dependence on evaluation letters is toxic. Scientists know that bad letters might derail their career or even jeopardize their livelihood, and therefore compromise and take less risks. Alternative, less biased methods for assessing faculty for promotion purposes are urgently required.

I must start by thanking anyone who wrote me a good evaluation letter. I had many supporters, and I owe each and every one of them my career. Without them I wouldn’t have been hired as an Assistant Professor, gotten tenure, been promoted, and wouldn’t have reached the safe status of Full Professor. I can only afford to express this controversial opinion because I’m done getting promoted. Writing letters on my behalf took a lot of time and was a heavy duty, so before I start my rant, I must emphasize my sincere gratitude.