2020 South Korea

The global innovation leader confronts new research challenges.

By redirecting funding to small teams, the country is betting on the creativity of its scientists.

Decisions about the country’s research flagship will signpost national priorities.

Systemic reform backed by strong investment has brought rapid and long-lasting results.

The country is making headway in the effort to internationalize its scientific workforce.

A description of the terminology and methodology used in this supplement, and a guide to the functionality available free online at natureindex.com.

Yonsei University is engaging with social and environmental issues — locally and globally.

Korea University is a prestigious academic institution with a focus on creativity, innovation, and excellence that is helping to drive positive change.

In fewer than 10 years the Institute for Basic Science has evolved from an idea to a multi-disciplinary web of 30 research centres tackling some of the most fundamental scientific questions of our time.

POSTECH’s impressive research infrastructure, which includes two synchrotron radiation accelerators, is spawning breakthroughs in fields as diverse as drug development and materials science.

Through an expanding archive of mouse models, South Korea is helping accelerate global research into human diseases.

A hub for innovative and ground-breaking research, KAIST doubles down on first-mover initiatives in R&D and governance