Researchers are mindful of funding sources like Pharma and Political Entities
Should the UN or WHO run an independent global research fund, with all nations represented, to serve as a single global source for research funding?
To eliminate external bias and pressure?
The idea of UN or WHO starting an independent global research fund is welcome. In any case, these bodies have been undertaking several research activities and disseminating Policy Briefs on several vital issues from time to time. These are multilateral bodies with representation coming from across the world.
My three small submissions on this issue are as under:
1. The proposal that this Fund would emerge as a Single Global Source for Research Funding - needs critical analysis. The idea of making it as a 'Single Global Source' would throw challenges. For example, there are several research agencies at this point of time and their focus on issues are different and based upon their prioritization, funding options open up. When, we will follow a centralized model, the prioritization and choices would be affected.
2. The power structure of a Nation within multilateral bodies are also dependent upon their status, financial contribution to the multi-lateral body. For example the P-5 group within UN Security Council would have a different authority as compared to non P-5 group. Thus, there is a possibility of select nations making most of the decisions within multi-lateral structures even when a 'Single Global Source for Funding' is created.
3. Every Nation/Region will have its own priority issue to be addressed and would like the substantial focus and funding of the research to be channelized towards it. Sometimes in a Global Research Fund, local issues gets lost and precedence is taken by the issues which is more eye catching/covered more in the press, etc.
Nevertheless, let us have an Independent Global Research Fund to remove external bias and pressure. Though, in my opinion it can not be the 'single source' for research funding.
With Kind Regards
Akshat Mehta (Ph.D. in Public Administration)
Associate Professor & Head, Department of Police Administration,
Raksha Shakti University, Ahmedabad, India
There is a lot of fund paid for some countries around the world from the developed countries as a source for research fund. Every country in the world has its identity, and therefore has its priorities. If a global source for research fund will limit regional priorities, then this action will fund the researches that match with the theme of the global interest.
So
This is a call for a Single Independent Global Research body
Responsible for funding, ethics clearance, utility and futility assessment and organization
I think that it is also a call for inclusion for a global search.
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