An 'Unfair Game'

I am writing in regard to publication of research results. Many young scientists start out as postdocs in a university lab, hoping that their hard work there will lead to some publications, necessary for job opportumties and establishment of a reputation. Postdocs from poor foreign countries, like me, far away from their homes, suffer the most in the hopes of garnering publications.

Since competition is so great now, the number of publications someone has (even though, in my opinion, this does not necessarily represent the quality of a scientist) is a significant advantage and does lead to a better position.

Unfortunately, most of the time supervisors decide when and if scientific results deserve publication, and many times they even deny credit to the person who did the bulk of the work. How many scientists died unknown while their supervisors enjoyed fame because of their work? Unfortunately, victims are afraid to...