A neurosurgeon's $30-million project to build a prototype robot for brain surgery has renewed a debate over who gets research funds.

The neuroArm may one day give surgeons three-dimensional MRI scans of the patient's brain during surgery.

Surgeons would work at a station instead of at the operating table, using two robotic arms fitted with surgical tools. The project aims to eliminate the natural tremor of the hand and allow greater precision.

Dr. Garnette Sutherland of the University of Calgary's department of clinical neurosciences can start building the prototype thanks to an almost $10.5-million grant from the federal government.

"One of the reasons I think project neuroArm has garnered such support is the impression of perception that this little project represents a small doorway in the future," said Sutherland.

But disciplines such as the social sciences and humanities have long complained they don't receive anywhere near as much funding as engineering or natural sciences.

English Prof. Leonard Diepeveen of Dalhousie University in Halifax has studied the difference in funding levels.

Diepeveen said last year, social science research received $195 million while the funding for engineering was $760 million.

He said many social science researchers pay out-of-pocket for books and association memberships.

Diepeveen is gathering funding information from over 80 institutions across Canada and will submit his report to Parliament in May.

As for complaints that technology research is benefiting at the expense of other disciplines, Sutherland said all research needs more money.

Sutherland expects his prototype robot will be ready within two years.