The state of European research in tropical biology |
| |
| Authors: | Luis Cayuela Íñigo Granzow‐de la Cerda Marcos Méndez |
| |
| Affiliation: | 1. Department of Biology, Geology, Physics and Inorganic Chemistry, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Móstoles, Madrid, Spain;2. Center for Ecological Research and Forestry Applications (CREAF) and Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain |
| |
| Abstract: | Research institutions from the Global North have made significant contributions to the knowledge of tropical ecosystems, but contributions have varied greatly between countries. We show that European nations that share a language, cultural affinity, and/or retain social and political ties with tropical countries (e.g., those with an overseas history) make larger contributions to tropical biological research than countries without these ties. However, exceptions to this pattern demonstrate how science policy agendas can skew the capacity of countries to conduct biological research in the tropics. We conclude that some countries could make a far more important contribution to tropical biological knowledge, but for this to materialize, greater commitment by a country's scientific community is needed, along with better financial and intellectual support from its public administrations. |
| |
| Keywords: | financial support publication leadership research policy scientific productivity |
|
|
