Life sciences in France lack funding and sound management, says report

French public research into the life sciences suffers from a lack of funding, coordination and sound management, says a new report by the country's Court of Auditors. Although the life sciences were defined as a top priority in French national research policy in 1999, recei...

French public research into the life sciences suffers from a lack of funding, coordination and sound management, says a new report by the country's Court of Auditors.

Although the life sciences were defined as a top priority in French national research policy in 1999, receiving a quarter of the Government's research and development (R&D) budget, the report found that that ambition has been insufficiently supported over time, and gradually dwindled.

Whereas the US National Institutes for Health (NIH) doubled their budget between 1998 and 2003, and the UK increased its public funding from 36% to 45% in the same period, France not only failed to catch up, but fell behind. The authors of the report recommend a yearly analysis of research efforts.

The report also points to an absence of 'sound management' by the State, pointing out that six ministers have succeeded one another since 2000.

The Court of Auditors states that 'horizontal management of the life science is now essential'.

Finally, the report criticised the lack of coordination between organisations, universities and foundations, which has been exacerbated by the arrival of clusters and networks over the past few years.

The report concludes by recommending a rationalisation of the organisation of the life sciences sector.

Countries

France