| Abstract: |
Neoliberalism has transformed academia by centering competition. Competition for high-impact papers and grants is supposed to “optimize” science. However, neoliberalism has a negative effect on factors that are key for scientific progress. Instead of boosting curiosity-driven research required for breakthrough discoveries, neoliberal academia prioritizes turning discoveries into products. Moreover, the emphasis on quantifiable metrics of success has eroded scientists’ capacity to do “good science.” Paradoxically, the neoliberal transformation thus leads to low efficacy in academia. By taking a lesson from physiology, we can create a system of higher education that centers curiosity-driven research, incentivizes the teaching of virtues as the basis of good science, and boosts efficacy by centering collaboration and increasing the number of good scientists. © 2025 Elsevier Inc. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies. |
