Nobel Laureate Jack Szostak recently emphasised that India’s science funding remains modest despite the nation’s “enormously talented people.” This crucial discussion, titled “Mapping Scientific Priorities in a World in Churn,” was held at Ashoka University and gathered leading scientists to map how global scientific priorities must adapt amid climate change and technological disruption. Consequently, the consensus highlighted that increasing investment is the most effective way to address pressing social and scientific challenges.
Szostak, a Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine (2009), noted that countries worldwide are adopting sharply different approaches to funding research. While some nations make major investments to improve people’s lives, others are cutting funding precisely when it is needed most. India shows bright spots of world-class research, but these are small compared to the country’s potential achievements. Experts agree that scaling up research support is critical for national progress, therefore requiring immediate attention. For new doctors looking to build a strong research foundation, exploring Foundation Comprehensive Training For New Doctor can be a valuable first step.
The Global Challenge for India Science Funding: Bridging the GERD Gap
India’s Gross Expenditure on R&D (GERD) is significantly lower than that of global leaders. For instance, India’s GERD stands at approximately 0.64% of GDP. In contrast, countries like China and the United States invest far more, with figures around 2.41% and 3.47% respectively. Moreover, the funding mix in India heavily favors the public sector, which contributes about 64% to 75% of the total GERD. Private firms contribute the lion’s share in most advanced economies, therefore indicating a key difference. Consequently, boosting private sector participation is a primary policy goal, alongside governmental efforts to increase the overall GERD percentage. Furthermore, bureaucratic delays and uneven allocation towards fundamental research remain persistent structural challenges.
The Call for International Collaboration and Sustained Support
International collaboration is universally considered a “win-win” for building scientific excellence. Professor Yamuna Krishnan stressed that while nations like China and South Korea invested aggressively in global science decades ago, India has remained cautious. She asserted that funding must be at scale, moving beyond mere symbolic support to achieve a global impact. Furthermore, Priyamvada Natarajan warned that uncertain research funding poses a major risk. A lack of sustained support for fundamental science, consequently, could lead to the loss of an entire generation of early-career scientists, creating a serious brain drain issue.
Stewards of the Planet: New Priorities for Scientific Research
K VijayRaghavan, Chair of Ashoka University’s Science Advisory Council, underlined the growing responsibility of science. He described humans not just as survivors, but as “stewards of the planet.” This places an enormous responsibility on science to shape the future responsibly. Panellists were invited to reflect on priorities in crucial areas like climate change, artificial intelligence, and public health. Consequently, Rajesh Gopakumar called for internationalising Indian science to move forward. He noted, “To move forward, we need to globalise our benchmarks and have the confidence to see science as an open-ended, collaborative activity.”
India has made significant investments in select missions and institutions; however, widening access to research funding remains a core challenge. Strengthening the ability of emerging institutions to utilise resources effectively is equally important. This unique moment offers India the opportunity not just to follow, but to define new global scientific standards with strategic investment. Professionals across various disciplines can explore advanced training opportunities via our Multispecialty Courses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is India’s Gross Expenditure on R&D (GERD) as a percentage of GDP, and how does it compare globally?
India’s GERD stands at approximately 0.64% of GDP (2020-21 data). In comparison, countries like the United States and China invest much higher percentages, such as 3.47% and 2.41% respectively, highlighting a major investment gap.
Q2: What is a major hurdle in India’s R&D funding model, according to experts?
A major hurdle is the limited contribution from the private sector, which accounts for only about 36% of the total GERD. The system relies heavily on government funding, which differs significantly from most advanced economies, where private firms contribute the lion’s share.
Q3: Which recent government initiative is aimed at addressing the research funding challenge?
The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) is a key government initiative. It has been approved with a corpus of nearly ₹1 lakh crore over five years, aiming to boost high-impact, interdisciplinary research and strengthen academia-industry linkages.
References
- India has immense talent, but science investment remains modest: Nobel laureateSzostak at Ashoka University meet – ETHealthworld.
- Scientific research challenges in India – GKToday.
- Funding for Research and Development faces challenges in India | – Chemical Industry Digest.
- Trends and Challenges in Research Grant Allocation in India – ResearchGate.
- Meagre funds, red tape hobble Indian science – The New Indian Express.
- Science Ministry survey on R&D in India gets weak response from private sector – The Hindu.
- RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT STATISTICS AT A GLANCE – DST.
- 1 lakh crore RDI Scheme boosting India’s research and development drive – PIB.
- Demand for Grants 2024-25 Analysis : Science and Technology – PRS India.
- India’s R&D investment lags behind global peers, private sector involvement low: Economic Survey – economictimes.com.
- Science and Technology Development in India – IBEF.
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