This article analyzes the deep, systemic flaws within the current sociological structures in basic research. From peer review and publication culture to funding allocation and the tenure system, we reveal a structural crisis defined by broken feedback loops, perverse incentives, and the rise of academic monopolies. We argue that incremental fixes are insufficient and that a complete reform is now warranted. To this end, we present the vision for a novel Community-driven Open Research Ecosystem (CORE), a new paradigm or constitution for the entire community guided by the overarching Diversity Principle. The CORE is a dynamic, balanced, and self-regulating ecosystem designed to promote meritocracy and diversity, offering equal opportunity to all members while simultaneously applying monopoly-breaking measures against the top and securing a safety net for the bottom. By thoughtfully navigating its implementation challenges, a CORE can ensure fairness, transparency, and efficiency via its dual evaluation system in knowledge dissemination, resource allocation, and career advancement, creating the conditions for a new era of innovation in basic research.
Wanpeng Tan (Mon,) studied this question.