Political attacks and uneven research raise questions over science funding

Results from Latvia’s Fundamental and Applied Research Programme will be announced later than usual this year, in late November or early December, because of a record number of applications and changes to the project assessment process, LSM’s investigative programme De facto reported.

Scientists hope the changes will help shield winning projects from political attacks, including attempts by politicians to reassess approved research according to their own criteria. The programme’s scientific quality and importance are not in question, the report said.

Broader debate has been lacking over the State Research Programme, another critical part of science funding. Its projects do not always produce conclusions based on research, and researchers’ findings are sometimes not put to use. Funding also goes to product development projects, while some programme projects compile information that is already known.

One State Research Programme project, launched in 2018 to address demographic and migration challenges, received 600,000 euros from a programme allocation of more than three million euros. It produced scientific publications and policy recommendations for decision-makers. These included providing childcare and babysitting services to attract young families, increasing support for young families, and giving particular support to women of reproductive age.

The report said priorities differ among residents of Latvia’s regions and that the most severe attacks have targeted winners of the Fundamental and Applied Research Programme competition.