On South Korea's Researcher Shortage

In this Nature editorial article, the discussion focuses on the research shortage in South Korea. The issues highlighted in the article can be summarized into three main points:

First, there is a significant gender imbalance.

Second, South Korea has an extremely low birth rate.

Third, the mobility of researchers between academia and industry is low.

As a Korean, I find the first two issues deeply concerning, but there’s not much I can personally say about them. These issues are likely caused by the mental stress required to maintain a stable life, but finding solutions will require extensive discussion and consideration.

The third issue, however, seems to warrant more discussion. Having worked in drug discovery for over 20 years after earning my Ph.D., I’ve often envied seeing many foreign pharmaceutical researchers actively publishing papers. In various countries, it’s common for professors who have built a reputation in their field to move to key positions in pharmaceutical companies, and vice versa—researchers working in the industry transitioning to prominent university professorships. This kind of mobility doesn’t seem as prevalent in South Korea’s basic science community. Although recently, it seems that some major domestic pharmaceutical companies are now bringing professors into executive roles.

High mobility between academia and industry means that neither side is overwhelmingly preferable. Conversely, low mobility suggests that one side is more attractive than the other. In South Korea, academia seems to be perceived as more appealing. Factors contributing to this allure include traditional respect for teachers, high educational enthusiasm evidenced by high college entrance rates, the freedom for external consultations and activities, and the potential to influence government policy.

The automotive and semiconductor industries, mentioned in the article, are known for having higher mobility compared to the basic sciences in South Korea. Globally competitive companies actively invest in R&D and apply high standards to attract top talent worldwide. I hope that the basic science sector can also meet these criteria, making the industry as attractive as academia.