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Innovation (Camb)
Innovation (Camb)
The Innovation
2666-6758
Elsevier

S2666-6758(24)00124-3
10.1016/j.xinn.2024.100686
100686
Editorial
Pursue the nature of science: Advocate for a better research environment
Dai Ji ji.dai@siat.ac.cn
1234∗
1 Shenzhen Technological Research Center for Primate Translational Medicine, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
2 CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, the Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
3 Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behavior, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
4 University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
∗ Corresponding author ji.dai@siat.ac.cn
21 8 2024
09 9 2024
21 8 2024
5 5 1006863 7 2024
13 8 2024
© 2024 The Author(s)
2024
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).
Published Online: August 21, 2024
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pmcWhat is real science?

Science is often viewed through the lens of its tangible outcomes—publications, grants, academic titles, and products. These markers of success in the academic world are undoubtedly important and serve as measures of productivity and impact. However, focusing solely on these external rewards risks oversimplifying the true essence of science and overlooking its fundamental purpose—the pursuit of knowledge through a process of discovery.1 At its core, science is a systematic and methodical approach to understanding the natural world, unraveling its mysteries, and uncovering the underlying principles that govern the universe. It is a process of inquiry and exploration that is driven by curiosity, creativity, and a relentless quest for truth (Figure 1). Science is not merely a means to an end but a journey of discovery that transcends individual accomplishments and external accolades. One example is the study of gravitational waves, which are ripples in the fabric of spacetime and are predicted by Einstein’s theory of general relativity. In 2015, the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) detected gravitational waves for the first time. Such a major scientific breakthrough was the result of a collaboration between physicists and engineers from multiple institutions around the world, and it was also the result of pure curiosity.Figure 1 The essence of science is an exploratory activity driven by human curiosity

Creating a healthy research environment is of utmost significance, not only for advancing scientific research but also for nurturing the next generation of scientists.

When the primary goal of scientific inquiry becomes the accumulation of publications, securing grants, advancing academic titles, or developing marketable products, the essence of true scientific exploration can be overshadowed. The pressure to produce measurable results within constrained timelines can lead to a focus on short-term gains rather than the pursuit of genuine knowledge and understanding. In contrast, when the goal of scientific research is centered on the process of discovery itself, the dynamics of exploration shift. Scientists are motivated by the intrinsic value of unraveling the unknown, asking profound questions, testing hypotheses, and seeking new insights. The emphasis is on the journey of uncovering truths rather than the destination of a particular outcome.

The process of discovery in science is characterized by intellectual curiosity, open-mindedness, critical thinking, and a willingness to embrace uncertainty and ambiguity. It involves engaging in rigorous experimentation, data analysis, collaboration, and peer review to validate findings and refine knowledge. Through this iterative and self-correcting process, scientific understanding evolves, theories are refined, and new avenues of inquiry emerge. Moreover, the spirit of discovery in science extends beyond the boundaries of individual disciplines and seeks to foster interdisciplinary collaboration, cross-pollination of ideas, and synthesis of diverse perspectives.2,3 By breaking down silos and embracing a holistic approach to scientific inquiry, researchers can explore complex problems from multiple angles and achieve more comprehensive and nuanced insights.

Ultimately, the essence of real science lies in the intrinsic motivation to pursue knowledge for its own sake, to engage in the process of discovery with intellectual integrity, and a commitment to truth-seeking. While external rewards and recognition are important in the academic world—they create a competitive atmosphere and accelerate the implementation of scientific research—they should not be the driving factors and overshadow the fundamental purpose of science—the relentless pursuit of understanding and the continuous quest for knowledge that transcends individual ambitions and contributes to the collective advancement of human understanding. In conclusion, science is not merely a means to an end or a collection of outcomes but a transformative process of discovery that enriches our understanding of the world and expands the frontiers of human knowledge. By embracing the goal of genuine discovery as the driving force of scientific inquiry, we can uphold the true essence of science and unlock its transformative potential for the benefit of society and future generations.

Reverse “grant pursuit” to “science pursuit”

However, some “scientists” argue that they need to compete for grants to support their research, during which publications and academic titles add great weight to their applications. While grants are crucial for supporting research and enabling scientific discoveries, the intense competition for funding can sometimes lead to undesirable outcomes, such as a focus on grant acquisition at the expense of the true goal of scientific discovery. The issue of grant dependency and the competitive nature of securing funding in the scientific community is a significant challenge that affects researchers worldwide. To reverse this situation and alleviate the pressure on researchers, several strategies can be considered.

Diversification of funding sources

The diversification of funding sources beyond traditional grant mechanisms should be encouraged. This could include exploring alternative funding models such as philanthropic donations, industry partnerships, crowdfunding, and public-private collaborations. In the United States, a substantial portion of funding comes from private foundations or nonprofit organizations, while in China, researchers mainly count on government foundations. By tapping into a broader range of funding streams, researchers can reduce their reliance on competitive grants and mitigate the pressures associated with grant dependency.

Long-term funding stability

Policies that promote long-term funding stability for scientific research should be advocated for. Establishing funding mechanisms that provide multi-year grants or longer-term funding commitments can help alleviate the uncertainty and stress associated with short-term grant cycles. One example is the "ERC Starting Grant" provided by the European Research Council (ERC) in Europe, which provides up to 1.5 million euros for 5 years. This would allow researchers to focus more on the scientific process and less on the constant pursuit of new grants.

Support for early-career researchers

Targeted support and funding opportunities for early-career researchers, who often face greater challenges in securing grants, should be provided. Initiatives such as mentorship programs, seed grants, career development awards, and fellowship opportunities can help support the next generation of scientists and enable them to pursue their research goals without excessive financial pressures.

Collaborative research models

Collaborative research models that promote interdisciplinary cooperation and shared resources should be encouraged.4 By fostering collaborative research networks, researchers can pool their expertise, leverage collective resources, and increase the efficiency and impact of their research projects. Collaborative models can also help distribute funding more equitably and alleviate the individual burden of grant acquisition.

Transparent and fair grant review processes

Transparent and fair grant review processes that prioritize scientific merit, innovation, and societal impact should be advocated for. For instance, the NIH provides detailed feedback to applicants on why their applications were not funded, and the ERC publishes detailed information about their reviews and final decisions. Implementing rigorous peer review systems, reducing biases, and promoting inclusive evaluation criteria can help ensure that funding decisions are based on the quality of the research proposal rather than extraneous factors.

Capacity building and training

Capacity-building initiatives that provide researchers with the necessary skills and resources to successfully secure funding should be invested in. This could include training programs on grant writing, budget management, project planning, and communication strategies. By empowering researchers with the tools and knowledge to navigate the grant application process effectively, the competition for funding can become more equitable and less burdensome.

Promote collaboration over competition

A cultural shift within the scientific community toward collaboration, cooperation, and knowledge sharing should be fostered.5 Encouraging a more collaborative research environment where researchers support each other, share resources, and work toward common goals can help reduce the cut-throat competition for grants and create a more inclusive and supportive scientific community.

In conclusion, reversing the situation of grant dependency and intense competition in the scientific community requires a multi-faceted approach that addresses the root causes of these challenges. By implementing these strategies, we can create a more sustainable and equitable funding ecosystem that prioritizes the true goal of science—advancing knowledge and discovery for the benefit of society.

Creating a better research environment for the next generations

Creating a healthy research environment is of utmost significance, not only for advancing scientific research but also for nurturing the next generation of scientists (Figure 1). Firstly, it sets a positive example. Young scientists observing this unwavering dedication to the pursuit of knowledge understand that true scientific exploration is not about chasing after immediate recognition. It teaches them that integrity and a genuine love for the subject matter are what drive scientific progress. This instills in the next generation a sense of authenticity and a passion for scientific inquiry that goes beyond external validation. Secondly, it helps them develop a growth mindset. Instead of being fixated on quick rewards, they learn to embrace challenges, persevere through failures, and view setbacks as opportunities for learning and growth. This resilience and determination are essential qualities for young scientists as they embark on their own research journeys. Thirdly, it also encourages them to think independently and creatively. Without the pressure of conforming to certain publication or award norms, they are free to explore unconventional ideas and approaches, fostering an environment that nurtures innovation and out-of-the-box thinking. In turn, this prepares the next generation to become bold and visionary scientists who are capable of making significant contributions to the scientific field and shaping its future.

Acknowledgments

This work was supported by the 10.13039/501100001809 National Natural Science Foundation of China (32371066 ), the 10.13039/501100021171 Guangdong Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation (2022A1515010134 ), the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions (NYKFKT2019009 ), and the Shenzhen Technological Research Center for Primate Translational Medicine (XMHT20220104005 ).

Declaration of interests

The author declares no competing interests.
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