Abstract

In the complex reality within which universities must function, difficult discussions around the sustainable funding of research often arise as a critical point. However, finding financial support often leads to further external pressures on universities to comply with funders’ rules and regulations and foreign legislation. Apart from policies and legislation, several funders pose additional requirements on universities and prescribe whom universities are partnering with. Although partnering with some of these institutions is legal, universities often are considered tainted due to the institutions’ association with aspects such as tobacco, weapons, fossil fuels, sugar, alcohol and socio- or political connections. Universities are faced with the consequences of limitations on academic freedom in favour of a few large funders' power to provide research funding.
During a benchmark study conducted with nineteen universities from four countries in 2022, it became evident that less than three had a formal approach and set of criteria to give due consideration to these complex matters. These criteria and processes are also not in all cases publicly available for others to learn from. Universities are therefore in general still finding their way in dealing with this challenge.
Although there are good reasons for some institutions' pressure on universities to comply with their requirements, these funders do not always understand the significant pressure that they put on universities that are already in survival mode and desperate for research funding. The unintended consequence is that universities in low-middle-income countries are even more disadvantaged through their actions. This then leads to further inequality of partnerships. While the contentions are appreciated by universities, it leads to a cumbersome and costly balancing act, for which insufficient support is provided or available.
Through sharing Stellenbosch University’s journey in finding our feet in balancing large funders and powerful countries’ requirements with our autonomy in decision-making and academic freedom, others can learn from the challenges faced and provide input on navigating the complexities. A thorough analysis incorporating several perspectives such as academic freedom, degrees of freedom, ethical-, legal-, cost implications, and societal impact will be conducted to create a framework for consideration by universities facing similar challenges.