Publication: Status of Research Funding in Nepal: A Scoping Review
Date
2024
Authors
Sharma, Mohan Raj
Tuladhar, Sugat Rana
Adhikari, Abhishek
Khadga, Akriti
Singh, Shreejana
Ghimire, Namita
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Nepal Medical Association
Abstract
Abstract
With the rapid advancement of health delivery, there has been a renewed interest in conducting research among healthcare professionals in Nepal. However, concern is there regarding availability of funds and mechanisms of awarding. The purpose of this scoping review is to map the available evidence regarding the evolution and current status of health research funding in Nepal and to highlight gaps and areas for future research. We searched three databases for empirical papers and several gray literature. Our search, conducted between March and April 2024 yielded 76 documents of which 30 that met the selection criteria were included in the scoping review. Almost all studies identified lack of funding as a deterrent to research. We found a paucity of research focusing on the role of researchers in funding decision-making. Our findings revealed that there are 12 national and four international organizations providing funds for research. University Grant Commission is the largest funder from Nepal whereas the Research Council of Norway is the biggest international funder. There were certain barriers and facilitators for obtaining funds identified by this scoping review. Further efforts are needed to increase the amount and availability of funds in Nepal to enable high-quality research.
Description
Mohan Raj Sharma
Department of Neurosurgery, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Maharjgunj, Nepal
Sugat Rana Tuladhar
Research Department, Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University, Maharjgunj, Nepal
Abhishek Adhikari
Research Department, Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University, Maharjgunj, Nepal
Akriti Khadga
Research Department, Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University, Maharjgunj, Nepal
Shreejana Singh
Research Department, Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University, Maharjgunj, Nepal
Namita Ghimire
Nepal Health Research Council, Ramshahpath, Kathmandu, Nepal