Nobel Laureate Horvitz, Kiran Mazumdar Shaw Call For Expanded Govt Investment In Basic Research

Nobel Laureate Dr. H. Robert Horvitz and Biocon’s Executive Chairperson Kiran Mazumdar Shaw stressed the pivotal role of government investment in basic research on Thursday. Both emphasised on the importance of fostering scientific intellect through substantial funding for fundamental research during a fireside chat at the Bengaluru Tech Summit 2023.

Dr. Horvitz, renowned for his groundbreaking work with microscopic worms, shared his perspective on the power of fundamental research. He said, "Our (Nobel prize-winning research) breakthrough discoveries weren't made with the goal of trying to cure or even understand a disease. Our work was absolutely fundamental, basic research." He went on to highlight how these discoveries laid the foundation for advancements in treatments of various human diseases, including cancer.

Kiran Mazumdar Shaw echoed the sentiment by saying, "I believe that governments must invest in basic research because a lot of the applied research has to be also done by industry and entrepreneurs." 

Shaw emphasised the unique role of governments in spurring scientific intellect, acknowledging that industry and companies are driven by business plans, making it challenging for them to invest in research without immediate applications.

In August, the Parliament greenlit the establishment of a new research funding agency, Anusandhan National Research Foundation, with the mission of enhancing the country's scientific prowess. However, skepticism looms among analysts regarding the potential impact of this ambitious initiative, which seeks to channel approximately USD 6 billion (Rs 50,000 crore) into both basic and applied research over the next five years. 

During the fireside chat, both Shaw and Horvitz, urged governments to take a leading role in funding fundamental research. Dr. Horvitz said, "Basic research is the major driver of scientific knowledge." He cautioned against the misconception of leaving basic research entirely to wealthier nations, emphasising that a diversified portfolio, including both basic and applied research, is essential for scientific progress.

Shaw added, "It's very difficult to get any industry or any company to invest in basic research. Whereas it makes a lot of sense for academic research to focus on basic research." 

Both speakers agreed that a combination of fundamental and applied research is necessary for sustained scientific advancement.