Researchers are truly a global community. If not for the sharing of information and outcomes across geographic barriers, progress and discovery would be much slower. For example, research conducted in fields such as medicine, sociology and environmental sciences creates positive effects all over the world thanks to the rapid dissemination of the results obtained. As we undertake new approaches for human advancement, and wrestle with age-old challenges, the importance of global research increases day by day. Here are some of the many reasons why research institutions should have a global perspective, regardless of where they are located.
1. Research has global impact
Until fairly recently, research discoveries spread slowly. It took a long time and in-person activity to bring discoveries from one area to the next. However, through the widespread use of the internet, digital databases, and open access platforms, research is now accessible around the world. Today, platforms like Google Scholar, JSTOR, ProQuest and ResearchGate provide instant access to thousands of academic articles, theses, and research data. This dissemination of global research allows not only academics to access information, but also the general public.
Because of these global access networks, developing countries can also access scientific information more quickly, putting it to practical use. For example, early research on HIV/AIDS led to great advances across Africa, which is disproportionately affected by this disease. As research becomes more widespread and accessible, local communities’ awareness of health services increase, allowing them to access the resources they need to develop treatment methods more quickly.
2. Knowledge builds on itself
Scientific knowledge has a structure that develops by accumulating. Each new study adds to previous studies, allowing science to advance on more solid foundations. For example, the discovery of the structure of DNA was essential to propel the field of genetics. If this research had been done in isolation, without telling anyone else, it could have taken years or even decades longer to become a reality. By openly discussing scientific pursuits, and inviting others to take part, researchers were able to save time and consolidate resources.
The collaborative nature of science also saves time and resources by preventing duplication of information and effort. Recently, during the COVID-19 pandemic, research conducted worldwide accelerated vaccine and treatment processes by taking advantage of past studies on viruses. Because of the global urgency of this pandemic, there was a sudden influx of research about how to combat this virus. Tools such as AI helped researchers to keep abreast of the latest COVID findings, and to parse through the abundance of available information.
Within a short timeframe, effective vaccines were developed by adding onto previous studies and applying new learnings. Because it was a combined effort, even one with competitive interests, measures were put in effect quickly. In future, the hope is that a similar approach can put into effect against other epidemics, along with the improvement of global health systems are being improved.
Making advancements on existing knowledge is not limited to the field of health. Across research, including social sciences, researchers look into preexisting studies and schools of thought in order to make their own determinations. For example, Emile Durkheim‘s theories of social solidarity and anomie later became an important source for sociologists in their efforts to understand the relationship between society and the individual. Without predecessors paving the way, with a ripple effect across global research, we would be advancing at a much slower rate.
3. Research Solutions to Global Problems
Some foundational challenges span the globe and are not limited specific locations. For instance, climate change, loss of biodiversity, air and water pollution are among many issues that transcend national borders. If one country has an increasingly large carbon footprint, for example, it can eventually create a ripple effect felt by all. To solve these problems, scientists from around the world need to work together.
Coming together as a global scientific force can show solidarity, and draw attention to important causes. For example, organizations such as The Ocean Foundation and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) have suggested international policies which would reduce plastic pollution. United efforts like these not only produce scientific knowledge, but can also raise awareness in the global public, paving the way for social and political changes.
In the case of plastic pollution, many countries have since conducted their own studies and pledged to reduce their own plastic use. Impressively, the European Union even committed to recycling 70% of its plastics by 2025. In some parts of Europe, automatic machines that give cash or discount coupons in exchange for plastic waste have been installed to encourage plastic recycling and inform the public about plastic use. This outcome likely would not have come about if not for a large-scale effort across the globe.
4. Economic and Political Strategies in Global Research
Like in other fields, economic and political research can help countries take precautions and plan ahead for various outcomes. For example, governments can predict economic crises, take precautions against possible fluctuations in the markets and develop more effective policies. This helps to establish and maintain diplomacy and to mitigate catastrophe where possible.
To illustrate, before the 2008 Global Economic Crisis, some economists predicted that housing prices in the United States had increased excessively. A vocal minority started predicting that that this situation could cause the collapse of the economy, and sounded the alarm. Although these warnings could not prevent the financial collapse, it did outline the steps that politicians would need to take to accelerate the recovery process after the crisis. Because of the research conducted before, during, and after the crisis, including by overseas research teams, state and national leaders were able to put new policies into effect.
Similarly, as a result of socio-economic research, it was concluded that the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Union would contribute to the country’s economic and commercial development. This greatly influenced the UK’s decision to withdraw from the European Union. Without these kinds of studies, and global research analysis, history may have taken a different turn.
5. Intercultural Perspectives
Research conducted within different cultural and social contexts can lead to different perspectives and foster greater understanding. As an example, the respect and value shown to the elderly in Japanese culture plays an important role in shaping care services. Because of this, the research carried out on elderly care in Japan is quite different from approaches taken in the Western world. The study of this care and consideration, along with its positive results, has become an example for other societies. This is important because elderly populations are a global consideration, and innovative elderly care models can be adapted anywhere.
Norms and values in different cultures can increase scientific progress not only in the field of health but also in many areas. For example, as a result of her study with young people in an island country called Samoa in the 1920s, anthropologist Margaret Mead made a striking observation. She found that adolescence in Samoa was less stressful and problematic than for young people in Western countries. This study became an important example of how social norms and gender roles take effect across different cultures. This enabled subsequent researchers working in social sciences to conduct in-depth research on social rituals, family structures and moral rules, many of which have universal implications.
Conclusion – applying a global lens to research
As we have shared, global research is effective and beneficial in numerous ways, regardless of where it takes place. Thanks to the advancement of technology such as global databases and eRA software, researchers can connect and collaborate in real time, regardless of geographic boundaries. As such, it is beneficial for research institutions to take a global perspective, both to improve their own outcomes, and to expedite scientific discovery as a whole. Research conducted on issues such as climate change, health crises and economic uncertainties can make a real impact, and a lasting positive contribution.
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