Funding support for population research.

Abstract

Overview of the current status of population research. 4 categories of population research are defined: 1) reproductive sciences; 2) contraceptive development; 3) contraceptive evaluation; and 4) social and behavioral sciences. Following a brief description of the types of research being carried out in these areas, recent trends in funding both for research and development are reviewed, including funding by the Ford Foundation, Rockefeller Foundation, The Population Council, The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, the US Dept. of Health and Human Services, and USAID. Government funding is seen as becoming increasingly important in maintaining research and development as private sources of funding become more scarce. Along with changes in funding patterns, there have been changes in research emphasis within private funding groups. The reproductive sciences have continued to receive the largest support, followed closely by the social and behavioral sciences. Promising new research is underway on the development of new contraceptives. Emphasis is on increased safety, efficacy and convenience, with male contraceptives being given increased attention.