Nature Index 2017 Japan

Japan's stagnated research output corresponds with a deteriorating situation for young researchers

Nobel laureate Yoshinori Ohsumi's persistent study of baker's yeast spawned an exciting new field, and proves the value of supporting scientists in pursuit of their passion

'Abenomic' plans to make Japan's universities compete for private funding lie at the heart of reforms to kickstart a struggling sector

Japan's efforts to encourage innovation and an international outlook face significant obstacles

South Africa's University of the Western Cape has exceeded expectations

There is much talk about the need for excellence, but is it really what science needs, asks Adrian Barnett

It's time for the academic community to convert words into workplace practice and policy, writes Tim Wess

Female researchers cite their own work less than men. If citations are the currency of science, women are being short-changed

A description of the terminology and methodology used in this supplement, and a guide to the functionality available free online at nature.com/nature-index/