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Report Finds Barriers Limit Researchers in Developing Nations

A survey of 1,122 researchers and interviews with more than 100 institutional leaders examine obstacles facing scientists in low- and middle-income countries.

Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Language Learning

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More than half of the world's published researchers now work in low- and middle-income countries, yet many still face barriers to collaboration, funding and publishing, a new Elsevier and Research4Life report finds. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Elsevier and Research4Life released a report on barriers facing researchers in low- and middle-income countries. The findings are based on a survey of 1,122 researchers and interviews with more than 100 institutional research leaders.

Why it matters

More than half of the world's published researchers now work in low- and middle-income countries, up from 13% in 1994, yet many still face obstacles in collaboration, funding and publishing. The report's findings will inform the development of Research4Life's next strategic plan.

The survey of 1,122 researchers found 59% had joined international collaborations in the past three years, while 54% cited difficulty finding suitable platforms and partners. Half of respondents said they had equal publishing opportunities, and only 37% had been invited to join editorial boards in the past five years.

The players

Research4Life

Research4Life is a public-private partnership that provides low- and middle-income countries with free or low-cost access to scientific research.

Elsevier

Elsevier is a global information analytics company and major academic publisher that co-released the report with Research4Life.

The details

The report draws on a survey of 1,122 researchers and interviews with more than 100 institutional research leaders in low- and middle-income countries. It was released during Research4Life's 25th anniversary year and highlights limited international partnerships as a key barrier to securing research grants.

Timeline

  1. In 1994, 13% of the world's published researchers were based in low- and middle-income countries.

  2. Over the past three years, 52% of respondents applied for research funding.

  3. Over the past five years, 37% of respondents received invitations to join editorial boards.

  4. The report was published in 2026, during Research4Life's 25th anniversary year.

Season Trajectory

Research4Life's access program has long focused on reading access to journals, and this report shifts attention toward publishing, funding and editorial participation. The findings reveal that the research base has grown substantially since 1994 while structural barriers persist.

Researchers in low- and middle-income countries seeking international collaborations or grants should expect challenges finding suitable partners and platforms. Those interested in editorial roles may need to build networks deliberately, since only 37% received invitations in the past five years.

The takeaway

Growth in research output from developing nations has not yet translated into equal access to partnerships, funding and editorial influence. Closing these gaps will depend on building more inclusive collaboration networks.

Further reading

For broader context on academic education, explore our Language Learning coverage.

More information

Read the full Research4Life 2026 report and databook for complete survey findings.

Source note: This article includes information reported by Knowledgespeak.

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