Over the past few years, a new type of institution has entered the scientific scene: focused research organisations (FROs). These organisations aim to build new scientific software, databases, and other tools within a rapid, five-year timeframe.
So far, eight FROs have been launched in the US, largely supported by donations from ultra-wealthy individuals such as former Google chief executive Eric Schmidt. Now, the idea is catching on in Europe, with the UK set to launch its own FRO this year.
The hope is that these organisations will develop tools that help overcome scientific bottlenecks, much like AlphaFold, the protein-shape prediction model that has transformed structural biology.
It might seem obvious that scientists need new tools and datasets to unlock new avenues of discovery. However, under the current funding system, there is simply not enough money available to create institutions like FROs that can build these transformative resources.
https://sciencebusiness.net/news/r-d-funding/focused-research-organisations-what-are-they-and-how-do-you-set-them