Boosting impact in South Korean science – read the article in Nature

Nature recently published an interesting article on how funding mechanisms and the incentives/constraints for scientists in South Korea have stifled outcomes and innovation. This is a great reminder that the systems we work in shape our mahi (from the type of research we do to the outputs we create). Being mindful of the context we work in can help us navigate some of the challenges and push for change in a way that will work to create impact.

The Nature article highlights three of the seven themes which iPEN included in our submission to the Te Ara Paerangi Green Paper to enable impactful science.

• Provide funding stability with flexibility
• Reward and recognise impactful work
• Work to align motivations and beliefs of individuals and entities   

 
Despite South Korea’s significant increase in research funding over the past decades, with the Basic Sciences Promotion Act, the article suggests that the inflexible, time-bound approach to research assessment is stifling basic science.
The country is home to world-class scientists but, according to the writer, it is not as productive as it could be, despite sufficient financial resources. This could be attributed to policies being “favouring short-term results over bold exploration”.
Read the article here.
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