What can be an ultimate effect of bias in funding decisions?

The ultimate effect of bias in funding decisions is that it can lead to a distortion of research priorities. When funding is influenced by biases—whether they are driven by personal interests, institutional preferences, or external pressures—certain areas of research may receive disproportionate attention and resources. This can result in important topics being underfunded or ignored entirely, skewing the overall research landscape.

As a consequence, research efforts may focus on areas deemed favorable by biased funding sources rather than those that address critical societal needs or gaps in knowledge. This misalignment can hinder scientific progress, limit innovation, and ultimately affect the quality and applicability of research findings. The integrity of the research ecosystem relies on equitable funding processes that encourage a diverse range of scientific inquiries and perspectives.