A good foundation is critical to the stability of any structure. The same could be said for the real-world application of scientific discoveries. Before any new idea can be applied outside the lab, it needs to go through a process that starts with an idea or discovery. Then, through in-depth research and iterative improvements, a viable product can be developed, whether it be a new disease treatment or a faster computer. This type of basic research undergirds the work at South Korea's Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH). There, researchers embrace the fundamentals of their work to gain a deep understanding of the problem under investigation, while also being encouraged to collaborate across disciplines to nurture more innovative solutions. This leads to more robust applied research and higher-quality outcomes.
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