In the first report written together, the young academies of Sweden and Korea explore how research funding can be better balanced to make sure societies benefit in the long-term.
The young academies of Sweden and South Korea have a long and fruitful friendship. Every second year the academies takes turn in welcoming members to a joint bilateral symposium in the respective countries. In 2022 the academies signed a memorandum of understanding with the desire to strengthen the ongoing cooperation. In this agreement the academies acknowledge the unique role of young researchers in the international research system and the part they play through research and education in shaping the future.
Prof. Ann-Kristin Kölln | University of Gothenburg
The most rewarding aspect of the project has been the dialogue between early-career researchers from two different research cultures. Despite the differences between Sweden and Korea, we found a strong shared understanding of the importance of long-term, researcher-driven research.
A central aspect of any research system and how well it functions is how it is funded. Sweden and South Korea both are among the top investors in research in the world. In this report both academies describe and reflect on the strategies each country has adopted.
Prof. Gabriele Messori | Uppsala University
There is no one-size-fits-all for research systems. The comparison of the Swedish and Korean cases shows that different strategies for shaping research funding each come with their strengths and weaknesses, and that a plurality of approaches can often be an effective solution. This collaboration between YKAST and YAS has deepened the understanding of our respective research systems and paved the way for many collaborations to come. It has been truly inspiring.
Prof. Soon-Kyeong Kwon | Gyeongsang National University
Collaborating with YAS on this report was a deeply meaningful experience for YKAST. What we found most interesting was that two countries as different as Korea and Sweden share remarkably similar concerns within their research systems. We sincerely hope that this project will serve as a starting point for a lasting friendship and continued collaboration between our two academies.
Contributors
Prof. Ann-Kristin Kölln | University of Gothenburg
Prof. Dongyeop Oh | Korea University
Prof. Gabriele Messori | Uppsala University
Prof. Hyo Jae Yoon | Korea University
Prof. Inkyung Jung | KAIST
Prof. Lisa Hellman | Lund University
Prof. Sangwoo Kim | Yonsei University
Prof. Soon-Kyeong Kwon | Gyeongsang National University
Prof. Youjung Shin | Jeonbuk National University
Date
29 May 2026
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