Medical research--a comparative study of the situation in the RSA and in certain other countries

Research as a whole, with medical research as part thereof, is supported by organizational systems which differ in different countries. The basis for research support is nearly always one of two types: projects (short-term research) conducted by individuals, or programme research (a more extended form) carried out by a number of people in a defined field and under the direction of a person uniquely suited to lead the research. The other important form of research undertaking is one of national importance which assumes dimensions necessitating the creation of specific facilities in the form of buildings, research equipment and a staffing establishment (usually termed an 'institute'). Certain aspects relating to medical research as seen in other countries could well be adapted to our own needs, such as the introduction of research work communities (as found in Holland), and the establishment of priority research programmes in order to develop areas of neglect (as done in Germany). Adjustments can also be made to our training programmes and bursary schemes. In particular, attention can be paid to the re-employment of active research workers who have reached retirement age, and to the creation of full-time research posts in different categories at universities. In whatever manner our available research funds are calculated for comparison with those available elsewhere, whether based on money available per capita, size in relation to other research programmes or percentage of gross national product, the position of South Africa appears to be embarrassingly inferior.