academic circles

[HolyUnicorn]

Hello,

“Since CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) gene editing was discovered seven years ago, it has been generating a lot of excitement in academic circles and pharma and biotech businesses, as well as driving mainstream conversations.”

Assessing the off-target effects of gene editing | Scientist Live

How can I interpret “academic circles”? Why is “circle” plural here?

OED
Circle:
A number of persons united by acquaintance, common sentiments, interests, etc.; a ‘set’ or coterie; a class or division of society, consisting of persons who associate together.

 

[lingobingo]

in academic circles = among academics = in the academic field

You can substitute academic with whatever other “circle” is meant: in literary circles, in government circles, etc.

 

[Edinburgher]

One academic circle would be a group of academics in one location or institution.
Several academic circles would be several groups of academics spread over several organizations, or country-wide or wold-wide.

The plural expression "circles" used after a suitable adjective is fairly common.

cross-posted

 

[HolyUnicorn]

Thanks, lingobingo and Edinburgher.