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SciPoll 777: Perceptions of Research Funding Sources

DOI:10.63565/scipinion.scipoll.777

When evaluating research, how often do you consider the funding source as part of your assessment?

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Results
(236 Answers)

Survey results show varied practices regarding consideration of funding sources when evaluating research. 28% of experts "Always" consider funding sources, while 26% "Often" do so. The largest group (31%) reported "Sometimes" considering funding, with smaller percentages indicating they "Rarely" (12%) or "Never" (3%) factor funding into their evaluations.

Several experts who "Always" consider funding sources emphasized concerns about potential conflicts of interest, with one noting they are "always suspicious of industry funding" and another stating they evaluate "if the source of funding doesn't influence the research findings." Among those who "Rarely" or "Never" consider funding, some argued that "approach, methods, and data are all that matter" or that "the funding source is NOT the science."

The diversity of responses suggests significant disagreement within the scientific community about the importance of funding transparency in research evaluation.

Summary Generated by AI

Answer Explanations

  • Always
    user-751315
    Pretty dumb to get involved in fraud, n'est-ce pas?
  • Sometimes
    user-790048
    Limited funding can lower the bar for expectations or limit the scope of requests for revisions.
  • Never
    user-546903
    Approach, methods, and data are all that matter.
  • Often
    user-120105
    Pressure not report data unfavorable to the funder.
  • Never
    user-676201
    This is sort of a trick question for me because, in my field, I have only ever seen research that is funded by government grants or academic institutions
  • Rarely
    user-771432
    A manuscript that cared to cite its fiduciary resources  that enabled the scientific actions should declare the way the funds were distributed (salaries, technology acquisition, travel -domestic restricted or per personal wishes  etc). It is also desired that statement is made that no funds have been allocated for private use. 
  • Rarely
    user-89669
    This only when I feel that the work is driven by commercial interests and industry funded. 
  • Never
    user-426175
    The finding is arbitrary, especially NIH, etc. and by no means meritocratic. Networks, big names, citation boosting, paper mills distort the evaluation .
  • Rarely
    user-683654
    I only evaluate the research paper. 
  • Sometimes
    user-920129
    I do not often consider a funding source prime or only factor while evaluating any research project. Along with funding source, I consider the robustness of the study design and methodology,  transparency, and peer review.
  • Always
    user-937607
    I consider the funding source -- in addition to what work was done to protect results and conclusions from being influenced by funding interests. I believe it is possible to provide a lot of protection, but there must be transparency and more a prior work in planning for how results will ultimately be interpreted.
  • Rarely
    user-761199
    I have not found funding sources to be an issue, although with the current administration, particularly the HHS being led by RFK jr who ignores evidence that doesn't fit his narrative, perhaps this will change.
  • Sometimes
    user-869302
    Who is conducting the work is typically more important.
  • Sometimes
    user-464698
    The focus is the funding itself than the source/s.
  • Always
    user-738385
    When I read a publication, I am always interested in the funding source as it shows organizational interests and influence in the advancement of science.
  • Always
    user-334263
    I normally consider the funding source as a potential conflict of interest
  • Rarely
    user-293230
    Only in the cases of funding sources with a high possibility of conflict do I consider funding sources in the validity of scientific research, e.g., a drug trial funded solely by a drug manufacturer. 
  • Never
    user-884562
    Source of funding is the matter of the researcher not for evaluater 
  • Always
    user-935064
    The source of funding can give insight to past research and advocacy posiitions.
  • Never
    user-388091
    Unless there is a conflict of interest the funding source is NOT the science. 
  • Always
    user-107268
    I have to ensure if the source of funding doesn’t influence the research findings.
  • Always
    user-266767
    The funding source is always a factor to consider, but its weight depends on the research's context, transparency, and the safeguards in place to ensure integrity.
  • Always
    user-36916
    Always suspicious of industry funding
  • Rarely
    user-916060
    It's not clear what is meant by "evaluating", but I assume the interest here is how I select articles I use in my research. In that case, I have never considered funding source as a selection criteria. My interest usually lies in the quality of the research and it's relevance to my work.
  • Often
    user-863938
     I often consider the funding source when evaluating research because it can offer important context about potential biases or conflicts of interest. While it’s not the sole factor in judging the quality of a study, knowing who funded it helps me interpret the findings more critically—especially when the results strongly favor the interests of the funder. 
  • Rarely
    user-293503
    Honestly, despite my earlier answers, I seldom if ever look at this when evaluating research.
  • Often
    user-14529
     Knowing who funded the research provides context for interpreting the methodology, scope, and potential biases. This is especially relevant in applied science, cybersecurity, or pharmaceutical fields where commercial interests are often involved. 
  • Rarely
    user-625643
    The vast majority of research is funded from national funding agencies, so there isn't much to consider when evaluating it on criteria of funding source.
  • Rarely
    user-237452
    The funding source can provide important context about potential biases or conflicts of interest, especially when the research supports commercial or policy-related outcomes.
  • Always
    user-26509
    It would be better if that weren’t such a major factor in grant writing.
  • Always
    user-498299
    Looking at the funding sources has improved my understanding of the authors’ positions more often than not
  • Rarely
    user-531294
    find funding
  • Rarely
    user-271581
    It´s part of the journal officers' prior sending the manuscript for peer review. I only look for conflicts of interest declarations
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