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| Friday, 14 May 2004 |
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Achieving excellence in scientific research by Professor Mailvahanan Sivasuriya Chancellor, University of Jaffna (Chief Guest's address to the 12th Annual Sessions of the Jaffna Science association held at the Library Auditorium of the University of Jaffna on April 21, 2004)
Advances in scientific research during the past century (20th century) have been enormous: just to mention a few, these include advances in space travel/technology, computer/software technology, Information Technology and of course, in my own field - Medicine - "Organ transplantation" and the so-called "test tube" baby which have today become common place. The primary aim of successful research is to meet or provide the basic needs necessary for the welfare/well-being and upliftment of human population globally. Unfortunately this has not been always achieved. A good example is the application of atomic energy on one hand as an alternative source of fuel that can be harnessed to light up the world of millions and on the dark side the horrors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, hopefully, never to be seen again. It is important to appreciate that science without research is barren and research without proper scientific basis is futile. It is in my view that like in many other matters, even in research we get our priorities correct. For example ambitious research projects/programmes planned and prioritised for developed countries like the U.S.A. may be out of context for developing countries like ours. Spending enormous sums of money to reach the planet Mars or to manufacture deadly weapons to wage wars have no relevance to the socio-economic uplift or improving the living standards of our people. Today in Medicine a lot of importance is attached to the concept of "Evidence based Medicine" - this simply means that any particular modality of treatment including prescription of drugs should be accepted/ adopted only if there is absolute clear evidence through properly conducted research that the chosen treatment would be effective/beneficial: otherwise it is considered irrational or illogical to adopt such measures. This is clearly substantiated by the fact in a recent study of almost 7,000 depressed Americans, placebos were found to be as effective as anti-depressants in 80 percent of these cases. It must be stressed that any research project should be carried out under supervision/guidance and further the result (s) of that research study/project should be vouched as bona-fide by the responsible authority. It is the quality and the usefulness of results generated by the research which matters and not the quantum or paraphernalia associated with it. It might be relevant to quote an Arab proverb here which goes as follows: "God judges a tree by its fruits and not by its roots". It is difficult to accept that science alone through research can achieve anything and everything. Indeed even the scientists are beginning to concede that the universe is intelligent. The recent book entitled "The Intelligent Universe" by Sir Fred Hoyle, FRS, Cambridge University bears testimony to the above view. Hence it is clear that the Universe does not operate on mere physical and chemical law. So it may be surmised where this intelligent principle is coming from. The Tamil saying ("Avananry ooranuvum Asaiya" meaning "no atom will move without HIM") perhaps provides the answer. Enthusiasm alone is not enough for research. A sound education through good teaching is essential as is also adequate financial resources from both the Government and other non-governmental aid donors. Unfortunately and tragically we here, in Sri Lanka, have been plagued by a long drawn out civil war now extending to well over two decades and this has virtually ruined the social and economic fabric and quality of life of the people mainly in the Northern and Eastern parts of the island. Our people have suffered immensely consequent to denial/non-availability of basic health care/facility, food, clothing, shelter, water, fuel, electricity, communication, feasible transport, clean (unpolluted) atmosphere etc. This has led to a gross deterioration of both physical and mental health in the population overall, further worsened by the tremendous loss of human life and property. Furthermore the war has produced a large proportion of disabled persons who apart from presenting a sad/pathetic scenario are also a burden to their relations and the Government. Education, science and research have been one of the major casualties of this conflict. The rest of the world has raced forward and continued to do so in quantum leaps, probing the boundaries of the universe. Not only have we been left behind but have also retreated backwards to the Stone Age, if I may say so! We must realize that just as the sun and moon continue to rise and set, whatever may be, no one will wait for us. Of course it is only natural that these issues tend to be obscured by the immediate and urgent needs of providing basic essentials to our people trying to raise their heads after years of conflict, but we must not lose sight of the future. We are here today not just to share our ideas but to be a source of guidance and role models to the younger generation. The activities and sessions of the J.S.A. should act as a catalyst to motivate and stimulate scientific research in our community. We cannot afford to wait. It is the need of the hour that we strive to catch up with the rest of the world. I will be glad if the seeds of this quest to achieve excellence in the scientific world are sown today at these J.S.A. sessions. |
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Most of us are familiar with science and research but let me first
explain what research means: it is simply an endeavour to discover facts
by scientific study and critical investigation.
