R&D the backbone of science
Published on: Feb. 5, 2026, 2:45 a.m. | Source: The Tribune
Apropos of ‘Mixed signals for research funding’; while the government’s emphasis on private-sector participation appears pragmatic, the steady decline in financial support for public research institutions is a step backward. Universities and government laboratories are the backbone of research. Priority to private players will skew R&D towards short-term commercial gains, leaving foundational science neglected. Schemes like Biopharma SHAKTI and semiconductor missions can succeed only if backed by strong public R&D ecosystems, skilled manpower and stable funding.
