Our SciPoll examined how funding sources influence scientific research and credibility. The majority of participating experts rated funding bias as “very important” or “extremely important” in scientific research.
Trust levels varied significantly across different funding sources. Government-funded research received the highest trust ratings, with 63% of experts indicating high or complete trust. NGO-funded research followed at 48%, while industry-funded research received lower trust ratings, with 20% expressing high trust levels.
Several experts noted specific concerns, including how funding pressures can affect applied science applications and the tendency to favor “safe” research over innovative approaches. Some respondents observed that funding bias can create self-referential research cultures that limit creativity and breakthrough ideas.
These findings prompt important questions about balancing research funding needs with scientific objectivity.