Research grants and independent scientific contributions: Evidence from authorship position

Abstract

We examine whether competitive research grants generate independent research by the funded investigator. We distinguish first- and last-author publications—indicating leading contribution in biomedical research—from total output. Using data on Czech medical research grants awarded between 2015 and 2019, we apply a regression discontinuity design around the funding cutoff. Grants increase total publications by 3.1 papers (22%). First- and last-author publications increase by 59% and 41% respectively—substantially exceeding the total effect. These gains extend to high-tier journals and to citations. Effects are strongest for female and less senior investigators, consistent with grants mattering most when funding is constrained.