  In this work we analyze the combined effects of gender, age and academic rank
on the propensity of individual scholars to diversify their scientific
activity. The aspect of research diversification is measured along three main
dimensions, namely its extent and intensity and the cognitive relatedness of
the fields of diversification. We apply two regression models to the dataset of
scientific output of all Italian professors in the sciences over the period
2004-2008. The aim is to understand how personal and organizational traits can
influence individual behaviors in terms of research diversification. Among
other considerations, our findings urge caution in identifying research
diversification as a co-determinant of the gender productivity gap between
males and females.
