Basic research: Foundation and microcosm of scientific development

Research and development (R&D) is defined as any systematic and creative work undertaken in order to increase the stock of knowledge, including knowledge of nature, humans, culture and society, and the use of this knowledge to devise new applications. The ultimate end is to improve the conditions of human life and that of the natural ecosystem wherein humans thrive. R&D activities include basic research, applied research, and experimental or development research. Nations that aspire to develop make sure that R&D priorities are clear in their development blueprint and the same are accorded significant budgetary attention they deserve.

Japanese government taps and mobilizes its universities in pursuit of basic research. Its universities play a central role in basic research, crisscrossing disciplines, and integrating basic research with applied and development types of research. In Germany, its bias for, and promotion of, basic research is publicized in the Science and Technology Basic Plan, and the German Science Council Publication in 1996. In that publication, Germany declares thus:

“The goals of basic research are to discover new…principles, and (create) original theories… and discover unknown phenomena in an effort to answer questions about the origins of matter… and the phenomenon of life. The results of such research… can instill hope and pride in a nation’s people…(N)ew research findings can have a great impact on society by leading to revolutionary changes in technological systems or by creating totally new fields of technology. Moreover, a profound understanding of nature and humanity is a major prerequisite if humanity is to achieve continuing progress while maintaining harmony with nature… Over the long term, basic research assures scientific and technological innovation and the ability to put it to practical use.”

Do we have this much kind of emphasis at our local front?

When a scientist is curious about, or interested in probing a scientific question, he sets himself into a research study. In doing an investigation, a scientist does not intend to create, or invent anything. His main object for probing is to enrich human knowledge. Basic research is essentially a scientific work that aims to acquire new knowledge from observable facts or phenomena. Results of basic research will not have immediate or specific application. Results are not expected to solve existing problems or devise technologies. If a study is to be concerned about the latter, applied research is undertaken. The goals of basic research are to (1) discover new laws and principles, (2) develop original theories, and (3) predict or discover unknown phenomena. Basic research explores answers to basic questions i.e. the origins of matter, the behavior of the universe, and the phenomenon of life. There is no obvious commercial value to the discoveries that result from basic research.

The Philippine government allocates a general fund annually for a broad range of research and development concerns i.e. applied research, development research, basic research, technology development, and technology transfer. Basic research is only a component of R&D activities. The government funds go to various agencies that have R&D as one of their institutional functions. As has been mentioned earlier, DOST is the main research agency that funds R&D activities. There are sectors or councils under the DOST umbrella, and apart from it (i.e. DA or its constituent offices) that support and fund basic research. The government has one autonomous agency, which has a specific mandate by law, to engage in, support, spur the pursuit of, and fund basic research. This is the National Research Council of the Philippines, a national government agency founded on Dec. 8, 1933, and now attached to the Department of Science and Technology, which was created by virtue of Act 4120 enacted by the ninth Philippine Legislature. NRCP priorities are reflected in the National Integrated Basic Research Agenda (NIBRA). NIBRA determines the research undertakings as well as the disciplinal priorities that are supported by the Council. Through the years, NRCP has evolved to be a vital agency in fundamental sciences, encompassing practically all essential disciplines in 13 scientific divisions.

Cutting-edge knowledge and technologies that have improved the conditions of human life and the dynamism that characterizes today’s civilizations proceeded from basic research. Basic research is key to innovations that paved the way for industrial sophistication among first world nations. In a message during the NRCP’s 75th General Membership Assembly, former Senate President Edgardo Angara underscored the paramount role of basic research in national development. Angara pointed out that basic research is the driver of the country’s economy. He quoted the director-general of the European Organization for Nuclear Research, Robert Aymar, as saying, “Innovation is key to meeting many of today’s development challenges, and the primary force for innovation is fundamental research. Without (basic research), there would be no science to apply.” Angara further emphasized that “unfettered, curiosity-driven research plays a critical role in innovation, much like Michael Faraday’s experiments on electricity which brought the world electric light.”

Basic research cultivates a culture of creativity and boldness. Doubtless, it has shaped the development and progress of the world. Support for the pursuit of basic research cannot be overstated. Data generally show that throughout the immediate past decades, the Philippines invested miserably in basic science, as well as in R&D in general. And this situation accounts for the country’s weak standing in terms of global competitiveness, as well as for the Philippines’ markedly slow pace of growth and development. By and large, there is a need for the Philippine government to level up, significantly, its support for basic science and for research and development endeavors, in general. If the country is to attain a first world status within a proximate future, the government, as well us the country’s industries, must ensure that sizeable investments are poured into research and development work.

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For comments, contact the current NRCP president, NAST Academician Alvin B. Culaba, at [email protected].