Moving away from Basic Research
Science, a discipline that has evolved over the aeons of time, owes its progress to human curiosity and inquisitiveness. It all began with the exploration of nature and the expansion of human knowledge, driven by random, vague questions. This pursuit, known as ‘Basic Research’, always seeks answers to ‘What, Why and How’ research questions. The art of gathering basic knowledge by human societies has been the cornerstone for the current scientific innovation & progress. However, there has been a paradigm shift in how we do science in recent decades. More and more focus is given to applied research that has immediate outcomes for society. The real question is why we are moving away from Basic Research (BR). Is it because BR is irreverent in the current scenario? This article tries to dive deep into this issue and find a solution for its resolution, stressing the importance of exploring the relevance of Basic Research today.
There is ample evidence from the research data that there is a steep decline in ‘BR’ in developed and developed countries. As per Sciecne.Org's report (2014), research investigations are less interested in discovery research and focus more on market or outcome-based study, reflecting the urgency for more market-based industries. In a staggering revelation, there have been reports that ‘Disruptive’ science (DS) has also declined over the years, and no one knows about this decline (Nature Report, 2023). It is pertinent to mention that disruptive science, with its potential to lead to extraordinary inventions and discoveries, plays a crucial role in shaping the future of scientific inquiry. From the invention of the ‘Wheel’ to the invention of ‘AI Technology’, ‘Disruptive’ science has inspired and motivated us. The primary reasons for the decline in DS have been a lack of funds for basic research, the publish or perish policy of research institutions and the ‘risk-aversion’ shown by scientists while taking research problems.
Competition with modern industry
Institutions and funding agencies are more interested in investing in applied research that will fetch more money and carry research credits. This trend of motivating young research aspirants to take research projects focusing on market-driven research is taking a heavy toll on basic research. We can’t rule out the importance of applied or solution-based research, but there is an urgent need to understand that a strong foundation of BR is pivotal for our future. By ignoring the importance of BR, we are cutting our roots from history, which has a great legacy. For instance, we need both discoverers of nature and inventors of magic pills because the former creates a platform for the latter to perform in a particular direction. BR acts as a catalyst for developing innovations. The competition with cutting-edge research is ok, but it should not be at the cost of devaluing basic research because such an approach will lead to a decline in natural curiosity that has been an essence of the scientific world. However, there is a need to revamp the BR method.
Lack of Passion for BR
Basic Research (BR) is a long-term endeavour that needs passion, resilience and compassion, and at times, after spending decades, you may wind up without any discovery. In the modern era, no one wants to spend time without having any returns. In order to become financially sound, new researchers take those research proposals that have immediate outcomes and potentially have market value. The lack of passion in BR stems from young researchers connecting their higher research degrees with their future careers. Indeed, some of the BR areas do not have scope as far as future job opportunities are concerned. There is a dire need to inculcate a sense of interest among researchers that BR is a lifeline for applied research. While varsities conduct seminars and workshops on applied research areas, there is an urgent need to focus on discovery-based science. Research advisors must also give equal weight to BR and AR in labs so that there is no scope for discrimination based on the type of research being carried out by the student.
Lack of funding for BR
Most public funding agencies ask young researchers to submit proposals in areas with immediate social and economic impact and ignore or show less interest in proposals of a fundamental nature. Private funding agencies are more selective and prefer to offer only industry-based research. In such a scenario, the potential loss of talent in basic science is a real concern, and there is ample reason that budding scientists will focus on applied research areas. This profiling of research proposals demotivates researchers to submit proposals in basic science. It is crucial to stress that funding agencies should prioritize the quality aspects of the proposal, not just its immediate application.
Key Take Away
Keeping in view the importance of both basic and applied research, Institutions should integrate them in such a way that both progress side by side, and there is no bias to select exclusive applied research. To achieve this goal, there is need to revamp the science as research policy so that equal weightage is given to both. I hope the researchers in varsities are well aware about the changed trend and will frame their future policies in such a way that basic and fundamental research doesn’t suffer from massive pressure from commercial industry. Let us hope for the best as, ‘hope is beacon that points to the prosperity’.
(The views and opinions expressed in this article are personal and do not represent the official stance of the Institution.)
Dr. Ummer Rashid Zargar, Assistant Professor, Deptt. of Zoology, GDC Dooru
