Contribution of FOCAM Funding to Thesis-Derived Scientific Output: A Bibliometric Analysis of Institutional Research Efficiency at a Peruvian Public University

Abstract University research funding creates opportunities to undertake new studies, but its scholarly contribution also depends on whether funded projects lead to completed theses and visible scientific publications. This study examined the contribution of the Camisea Socioeconomic Development Fund (FOCAM) to thesis-derived scientific output at a Peruvian public university. A retrospective bibliometric and documentary analysis covered 76 funded projects, 81 theses deposited in the institutional repository, and 14 published articles identified during the 2022–2026 study period. Funding award resolutions, project implementation and closure reports, repository records, and scientific databases were reviewed. FOCAM-funded theses deposited in the repository had a thesis-to-article conversion rate of 20.0%, compared with 15.7% for self-funded theses. Across all funded projects, however, 7.9% had produced a scientific article by the study cutoff, and 5.3% had produced an article in a Scopus-indexed journal. FOCAM supported student research, but the findings indicate a need for stronger technical follow-up and editorial guidance to increase publication and improve the academic return on research investment.