The article discusses the importance of interdisciplinary research in addressing global challenges such as climate change and health inequities. Despite its proven impact, funding for such research is often limited compared to more traditional, single-discipline projects. Countries like the UK and the US have adapted funding strategies to support interdisciplinary studies, resulting in increased grants. However, Japan's funding agencies continue to favor narrow disciplinary research, leading to underfunding and missed opportunities for breakthroughs, particularly given Japan's reliance on science and technology for its economy.
Alas, this isn't the case in Japan. The nation's funding agencies still mostly support research in tight disciplinary boundaries, such as engineering or chemistry.
This narrow approach is leading to substantial underfunding of interdisciplinary research in Japan. It also means that the nation is missing out on breakthroughs.
Some countries have adjusted their research funding strategies accordingly. For example, UK research councils awarded 30% more grants to interdisciplinary investigators between 2016 and 2018.
Interdisciplinary research is still sidelined in many countries. Even though these papers attract more citations and have more impact on research, proposals are less likely to receive funding.
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