Governments have traditionally supported scientific research, either directly or indirectly, through grants to scientists. However, some governments, such as those in the UK, have restricted specific scientific endeavors. For example, the UK has an act that requires all government agencies to publish all information on their policies, projects, and contracts. The rationale for this law is to promote transparency in government since citizens have a right to know what their government is doing with the tax money they spend. However, critics of the act argue that it stifles scientific progress by discouraging research by employees.

Other nations have placed restrictions on certain types of research, such as the use of animals in experiments, because they infringe upon the dignity of animals. For example, in 2013, India passed a ban on all animal testing for the cosmetics industry. This ban was put in place after a petition by non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that cited some cosmetic companies’ cruelty and disreputable practices. However, the ban has had little effect on companies since many animal tests are conducted overseas. There are also exceptions in the law that allow companies to seek animal testing permits from the Indian government to demonstrate the need for that testing. In addition, the cosmetics industry in India generates a substantial amount of revenue, which makes it unlikely that companies will forego this source of profit by shifting to alternative testing methods.

In general, however, banning certain types of research or research in specific areas does not mean that the research will not occur. For example, there is an ongoing controversy over the safety of genetically modified foods. Many nations have implemented strict regulations on genetically modified organisms (GMOs), such as labeling GMOs in foods. However, research continues in the fields of biotechnology and genetic engineering. The FDA has approved GMO foods, and a recent study performed by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) has concluded that GMOs pose no health risks. Although GMO foods have been the subject of considerable controversy, they are produced and sold openly in the US and elsewhere. Likewise, some laws prohibit the intentional release of GMO insects, such as mosquitoes, and this has not stopped scientists from creating such insects. A recent outbreak in Florida of a virus carried by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which spreads Zika, dengue, and chikungunya, demonstrates that controlling the release of GMO insects will be difficult.

The banning of such practices as animal testing, GMO foods, or pollution controls may hurt scientific research at one level, but the restrictions do not prevent scientists from moving forward in those areas. These restrictions can have the effect of increasing public support for scientific research by demonstrating that scientists are working to make the environment a safer place. Yet, governments should place few, if any, restrictions on scientific research since all research has the effect of improving the environment somehow.