兰德-Venture-Research_-Fostering-trust-and-freedom-in-research-funding_8页_248kb

Venture Research Summary

Core Content

The Venture Research Unit (VRU) was a unique research funding initiative launched by British Petroleum (BP) in 1980 and operated until 1990. The program aimed to support transformative research that challenged existing scientific paradigms, particularly by funding determined researchers with radical ideas that traditional funding systems often overlooked.

The VRU provided £20 million in funding to approximately 30 researchers and small teams from Europe and North America. It was designed to be different from conventional funding models, with a focus on freedom, trust, and exploratory work. The initiative sought to identify and fund researchers who had a panoramic vision of scientific discovery and were willing to pursue unconventional paths.

Main Points

• Objective: To support groundbreaking, transformative research that questioned current scientific thinking.
• Approach:
  • No priority subject areas.
  • No peer review for initial proposals.
  • One-page proposals and minimal administrative restrictions.
  • Focus on scientific curiosity rather than practical applications or funding justifications.
• Selection Process:
  • Applicants were identified through visits to universities and media outreach.
  • The VRU team, led by Donald Braben, engaged in informal discussions to assess the researchers' vision and commitment.
  • A final peer review was conducted, but it was informal and selective, with the aim of finding supportive reviewers.
• Outcomes:
  • The VRU supported the creation of Oxford Asymmetry, which was sold for £316 million in 2000.
  • It contributed to significant developments in green chemistry and other notable scientific achievements.
  • Braben notes that 14 out of 26 groups made transformative discoveries by 1990.
• Critique of Peer Review:
  • Braben argues that peer review is inherently conservative, reinforces disciplinary boundaries, and is not transparent or effective for transformative research.
  • He believes that peer review is not suitable for funding scientific mavericks and that it can stifle innovation.
• Legacy:
  • Braben continues to advocate for similar initiatives in the UK, particularly for scientific mavericks.
  • The VRU's approach has influenced modern research funding models, though no large-scale equivalent has been established in the UK.
  • In 2008, UCL launched the Provost's Venture Research Prizes, which follow the VRU's philosophy but are more selective.

Key Information

• Funding Amount: £20 million over 10 years.
• Number of Recipients: Around 30 researchers and small teams.
• Annual Applications: Approximately 1,000.
• Support Structure:
  • Oversight by a board of academics and BP executives.
  • Annual meetings and lunchtime lectures to engage BP managers.
  • Workshops between BP and VRU researchers led to the creation of an in-house IT research unit.
• Duration of Funding:
  • Most received three years of initial funding.
  • About half received additional support, with fewer than 10 years of total funding.
• Cost-Effectiveness:
  • Proposals were conceptual and exploratory, requiring minimal resources.
  • Braben emphasizes that time for thinking is more valuable than technical assistance or expensive equipment.

Conclusion

The VRU was a pioneering effort in research funding that emphasized freedom, trust, and scientific curiosity over peer review, priorities, and practical outcomes. Despite its success in supporting transformative research, the VRU was not replicated on a large scale in the UK. Braben remains a strong advocate for this approach, believing that it is essential for fostering innovation and addressing global challenges. His work continues to influence discussions on scientific funding and the role of bureaucracy in stifling creativity.