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Scientists discuss research inequities around the world
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FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Governmental regulation of scientific research affects scientific progress in some countries and limits cross-border collaboration, an international panel of researchers said here.
In some countries, such as India and Australia, the regulatory climate favors scientific exploration, but global progress is inhibited by different situations in other countries, some participants said. The researchers shared their views at a workshop during the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology meeting here.
A German researcher noted that heterogeneous opinions on embryo research within the European Union has created divergent regulations that “seriously impede international scientific collaborations.” Stefan Lohwasser, MD, of the German Research Foundation, said scientists in the more liberal EU countries, such as the United Kingdom (one of the few EU countries with legislation that explicitly permits embryo research), are at an advantage compared to those in more restrictive countries, such as Germany.
“In the interest of scientific progress, harmonization of law should be a primary goal of the international scientific community,” Dr. Lohwasser said.
In the United States, the Bush administration has restricted stem-cell research. Under legislation passed in August 2001, federal funds cannot be used for research on any stem cell lines derived after that date.
With newer stem cell lines available to researchers in the United States, these governmental restrictions mean that U.S. researchers are unable to take advantage of existing information, said Thomas F. Freddo, OD, PhD, a professor of ophthalmology, pathology and anatomy at Boston University School of Medicine.
“The most important thing I encourage each of you to do regarding these regulations is make sure to vote,” Dr. Freddo said.