Visvalingam, M (1990) "Support for Independent Research Workers"

My support for independent research is very much an act of faith. My convictions and motivation spring from personal experience and observations.  They are reinforced by the observation of others (for example - Appendix I; awaiting copyright clearance).   Despite the lack of up-to-date information and the inability to pledge constant and timely support, I present a case in support of independent research in the knowledge that small acts of faith sustained over a long period have often proved effective in the past.

When embarking on a new initiative it is important to establish what the touchstone of success/failure should be at the outset so as to avoid
disagreements later. For our own auditing purposes we need to monitor expenditure and keep a record of the number and value of awards made, the number of different recipients etc. However, it would be inappropriate to use these statistics to evaluate success. They could be used to argue
success but they cannot prove failure. I would regard the initiative as successful if its existence provided incentive for the continuation of
independent research. We can never be certain that it failed to achieve this. If this initiative played a direct or indirect part in encouraging
one individual to make a major contribution to cartography, it could be regarded as visibly successful. This we cannot judge year by year and in
the short term.

I appreciate that donors, unaware of the nature of independent research and the psychology of researchers, may discontinue their support if we were unable to make regular awards. This could pose a problem whilst we are seeking to increase the endowment in the early years. We may therefore need to widen the terms of the research fund whilst pursuing a policy of positive discrimination towards independent research workers.  This paper is exclusively concerned with issues relating to the promotion of independent research.

1. Aim of this paper

This paper seeks to inform the BCS Council of the existence of independent research workers (IRW) and of their value in the current academic climate.  It suggests some ways in which the morale and efforts of IRW may be maintained through use of funds.

2. Who are they?

Independent Research Workers are those who seek to develop their research and expertise when not employed to do so. They form a heterogeneous group (see Appendix II) who are pursuing personal research, which is largely self-funded.

IRW in all categories have contributed outstanding and noteworthy research.  For example, the Flora of the East Riding may never have been compiled without the dedicated and inspiring effort of Ms Crackles and it has recently been published by Hull University Press and the Humberside County Council because it provides valuable historical and scientific information.  However, due to inevitable circumstances many IRW achieve their objectives over a long period of time through cumulative efforts sustained in fits and starts. Many more, working in isolation, do give up in periods of dejection.

3. Why should we encourage independent research?

1. Unless some positive action is taken, the research potential of a large number of talented people will be under-utilised. This under-utilization, even if not the wastage of skills and talent within many disciplines is a loss of both personal and national investment.
    

2. The current scenario for professional research in Britain (see Appendix III) makes it even more important that we do not regard available
   intellectual resources as dispensable.
    

3. Professional bodies could encourage IRW to join their ranks and contribute to their activities through recognition and support of their
   work. I accept that neither the profiling of cartography nor support for IRW are of much importance to the wider membership of the BCS. But, officials of societies must look beyond individual interests to the future of their subject and the society. In 1948, Vesey-Fitzgerald
   commented that "too many (societies) have become no more than social gatherings... Yet in every society there are keen vitally interested
   members who would be only too glad to do some constructive work given the guidance and encouragement".  Several IRW, whose work has been publicly celebrated, have spoken of the many little acts of faith by supporters which have helped them retain their resolve over many long years to complete their research.
    

4. What can be done to encourage IRW?
   
   There are several ways in which we can encourage independent research as discussed in Appendix IV. I recommend the following:

   ● monetary prizes or awards for unsupported research which results in publications of a high calibre
   ● contribution towards communication of completed research either through conferences or publications
   ● monetary support towards securing access to institutional facilities through Honorary appointments for highly qualified persons
   ● contribution towards fees of mature self-funded students, especially those pursuing higher degrees through part-time research
   ● consideration of applications from IRW for BCS directed research grants
    

5. What other direct or indirect support has there been for IRW?
   
   My information is partial and out-of-date but the following support was available in 1985. Appendix V indicates the nature of provisions made by others.

   ● Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) (Appendix V.1)
   ● The British Sociological Association (BSA) (Appendix V.2).  The initiatives of the RSC and BSA were particularly significant.
   ● Study Groups of the Institute of British Geographers (IBG) (Appendix V.3). 
   The IBG established with some funds a Forum for IRW in 1985 and reduced its subscription fees for unwaged members. Although Roundtables for Independent Scholars, supported by the Department of Education were popular in the USA, IRW forums appear to have sunk in Britain. These are seen to be diverting personal and institutional funds and time away from research towards administration.
   ● The Fellowship of Engineering (Appendix V.4).  Less relevant but represents a substantial endowment from the Wolfson Foundation.
   ● University of Sheffield (Appendix V.5) Recognition for IRW by the inclusion in the calendar of nominated persons.
   ● Heads of Department of Geography.  These were encouraged by the IBG to actively encourage IRW within their own Departments.

4.  Some other questions and tentative answers

© M. Visvalingam, 31 October 1990,
   Chairman, Research Committee, British Cartographic Society

Acknowledgements

Chris Board, Ralph Robbins and Barbara Bond (all past presidents of the BCS), Peter McMaster (while he was Director General of the Ordnance Survey) and all the sponsors must all be thanked for transforming a gesture into a potentially significant initiative.

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