Lost in translation: why the rush to impact is starving fundamental science

All of us want our research to matter. Today, however, the academic ecosystem demands that we prove that it matters immediately. We are increasingly pushed to think beyond publications. Grant applications require exhaustive ‘pathways to impact’ statements. Grant committees probe us on commercialisation, technology transfer, and intellectual property potential. The prevailing narrative is clear: research must evolve quickly from laboratory to clinic, and from university to industry.