This research examines the role of input and process-based approaches in enhancing faculty members' commitment to their research careers in the context of higher education. Specifically, we investigate the mediating effect of research self-efficacy on the relationship between professional research network and commitment to research career, as well as the moderating effect of career aspiration. Our findings reveal a direct positive link between professional research network and commitment to research career. Moreover, research self-efficacy is found to mediate the relationship between professional research network and commitment to research career. We also find that career aspiration did not moderate the relationship between research self-efficacy and commitment to research career. Our study contributes to the literature by providing a more comprehensive understanding of how professional research networks may enhance research self-efficacy, leading to greater commitment to research careers among faculty members in higher education institutions. Additionally, our research sheds light on the important role of career aspiration as a key factor in shaping the relationship between research self-efficacy and commitment to research career.