In modern society, there is an ongoing debate whether scientific research should only be conducted and managed by the state instead of privately owned entities. In my opinion, I believe that while government interference is necessary in particular cases, the advancement of science should remain open to all.
On the one hand, there must be certain restrictions placed upon the conduct of scientific research by the authorities. First and foremost are fields relating to medicine and biology, specifically concerning experimentation on humans which is widely considered to be unethical nowadays. Although some argue that human testing can yield faster and better results, modern simulation and genetic breakthroughs have made it possible for medicines and chemicals to be tested on lab-grown tissues that are similar to humans’, removing the needless suffering and side effects on potential test subjects. Second are fields that require an enormous amount of resources in order to carry out research safely such as nuclear research. Due to the hazardous nature of these fields, only the government can have the necessary capital, machinery and manpower to build and manage research sites that operate with the highest degree of safety. Furthermore, should the worst occur, like the Fukushima Nuclear disaster in 2011 – being government-led meant a quicker response from emergency services, limiting the scope of damage and loss of lives.
On the other hand, most scientific aspirations should be available to the private sector to explore themselves. Despite having access to larger reserves of resources, the government is also burdened with its wide range of responsibilities which makes it inefficient. As a result, its interest in scientific progress may waver and its funding diverted to other priorities leaving behind unfinished projects. Meanwhile, private companies are less likely to experience such obstacles due to their tasks and objectives being more singular. More importantly, curiosity and the desire to innovate is an innate part of humanity which means that it cannot be fully monopolized. As a result, people would attempt to carry out their own scientific studies and if such research is outlawed, they would have to do so in substandard conditions and faulty equipment which endangers both themselves and the people around them. Therefore, the most logical role for the state is one of management, ensuring safety guidelines are followed and the equipment is adequate instead of being a sole monopoly.
In conclusion, while some levels of government oversight is crucial in relation to ethics and safety concerns, it is in the best interest of all parties that privately owned businesses are permitted to pursue scientific research.