Support to the Basic Sciences in Developing Countries: Importance of Scientific Networks

The International Science Programme (ISP) at Uppsala University, Sweden, since 1961 has been devoted to long-term support for building capacity in scientific research and higher education in developing countries in the Basic sciences. An increased domestic capacity for research and higher education in the Basic sciences has a long-term impact on development. In the larger perspective support to the Basic sciences is generally low or neglected, despite their importance for sustaining applied sciences and quality science education. Regional and interregional cooperation may be a fruitful approach to overcome many constraints, adding value to participating scientists and their institutions. Therefore, ISP support to regional collaboration and the formation of scientific networks was initiated already in the early 1980s. Currently, nine chemistry networks are supported, in the fields of analytical chemistry, biotechnology, environmental chemistry, natural products chemistry, and technical and analytical support and training. The activities carried out by the networks are diverse. For support to networks to continue in the future the demands will increase to demonstrate benefits, added value, achievements, impacts, and sustainability.