Reza, H.M. and Mkrtchyan, Hermine (2024) Establishing equitable partnerships between the Global North and Global South. [Correspondence]. The Lancet, 404 (10454). pp. 746-747.

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Abstract

In response to The Lancet and colonialism: past, present, and future, colonial legacies affect not only what is published in medical journals. How research takes place to produce such publications has been described as parasitic and parachute. Fostering truly equitable partnerships requires addressing systemic disparities in research funding and capacity.
The current inequity is being perpetuated by a series of challenges. A recent British Academy call required 17 pieces of documentation from partners from low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) to be submitted with the grant application. This disadvantages institutions that lack extensive administrative resources and implies a lack of trust in Global South (countries below the Brandt line) partners’ ability to conduct operations appropriately without Global North (countries above the Brandt line) oversight, perpetuating a paternalistic approach.3
Institutions in LMICs not already supported by (post)colonial partners are often woefully underfunded. Bids with them are less likely to succeed than those with partners who are already well equipped. A recent Wellcome Trust-funded pilot project to address power imbalances4,5 was, ironically, awarded to one of the institutions identified as, “asserting European superiority [and] preclude[ing] crediting colonised peoples’ knowledge”1 in Khan and colleagues’ Viewpoint. Health challenges in LMICs are thus addressed by a select few institutions. Researchers from LMICs are hardly ever the principal investigator. Even when they are, they are more likely to follow research geared towards interests of high-income countries (HICs).6
An urgent dialogue is needed to develop sustainable funding that will increase research capacity in LMICs. Meeting this aim requires support for infrastructure development and staff training (including technicians); a flow of funding for consumables and fieldwork; and training and support in meeting the administrative requirements of funders from HICs. Each site's journey towards independence and self-sustainability could necessitate tailored business training. When undertaken properly, this will greatly increase the number of facilities in LMICs capable of operating in equal partnership, the quality of research produced, the incentives for young researchers to build their careers in-country, and, as a result, their ability to undertake research of international quality and to publish as first authors in international journals.

Item Type:	Article
Subjects:	Social sciences > Politics
Depositing User:	Marc Forster
Date Deposited:	07 Nov 2024 11:43
Last Modified:	07 Nov 2024 11:45
URI:	https://repository.uwl.ac.uk/id/eprint/12842

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