It is often argued that when public funding for postgraduate studies is restricted, governments should focus financial support exclusively on scientific research instead of less practical disciplines. While I agree that governments should allocate funding to both scientific and social research; however, a greater share should be devoted to scientific disciplines due to their direct and measurable benefits to society.
Scientific research should indeed receive priority in government funding because it brings direct and measurable benefits to society. Projects in fields such as medicine, engineering, chemical,.. studies can address urgent global issues, including disease prevention and climate change. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, substantial investment in biomedical research enabled the rapid development of vaccines, saving millions of lives and stabilising economies worldwide. Moreover, scientific discoveries often generate technological innovations that enhance productivity and strengthen national competitiveness. Therefore, allocating more funds to science is a rational decision, as it produces tangible outcomes that improve people’s quality of life and foster long-term economic growth.
However, it would be a mistake to disregard the importance of non-scientific subjects. Social sciences and humanities, for instance, play an essential role in shaping cultural identity, promoting ethical understanding, and guiding social policy. Research in psychology, education, or sociology helps governments address mental health issues and social inequality – problems that cannot be solved through technology alone. Furthermore, many scientific projects rely on insights from these disciplines to ensure their findings are applied responsibly and ethically. Thus, a balanced funding strategy that supports a variety of research fields is crucial for comprehensive national development.
In conclusion, since social and human sciences provide the foundation for natural scientific research, the most effective approach would be for governments to support both fields, allocating a larger share of funding to scientific studies.