On winning hearts, minds, and votes for science

Explore the past and present of US research funding, compare the investment priorities of the United States and Europe, and read an opinion from Research!America president Mary Woolley on what scientists need to do to secure the financial future of the US research enterprise.

Investing more federal dollars in life science research may save the US economy.

Like other trade publications, The Scientist gave substantial coverage to this year's Lasker Award winners, highlighting an important aspect of scientific research: recognition for outstanding work. Unfortunately, the broader media allocated comparatively little attention to these awards. It comes as no surprise, then, that a recent Harris Poll revealed astonishingly low public recognition of awards for scientific research, underscoring the need for more public outreach by scientists on behalf o

Comedienne Joan Rivers's familiar line "Can we talk?" is now featured as one of the public-service announcements heard inside New York City taxicabs encouraging riders to buckle their seat belts. Rivers's "can we talk," "we're-in-this-together," "let's-get-down-to-business" approach quickly and effectively establishes rapport with the people she is addressing. Her approach is one the scientific community should consider as we strive to be heard by our fellow citizens and our elected representat

What Are You Waiting For? (The Scientist, Vol:10, #6, p. 10, March 18, 1996) It is my experience that clinicians and scientists explain their reluctance to become personally involved in advocacy for medical research on the basis of one or more of the following rationalizations: "My efforts won't make any difference." "I don't know how." "I don't have time, and besides, it's not seemly to do so." Rarely do I hear that advocacy isn't necessary, least of all in these times of unprecedented threat

"Medical research is a slow and painstaking process, but the fulfillment that comes when one is able to save lives and alleviate suffering makes it all worthwhile." This statement by Nobelist Gertrude Elion, gracing the cover of Research!America's 1993 annual report, sums up our organization's fundamental mission. Research!America is determined to increase public awareness of medical research's value--of its role in improving the qu

Elie A. Shneour identifies the urgent need for scientists to become advocates in his commentary entitled "United States Science Under Siege" (The Scientist, Nov. 11, 1991, page 14). I agree, and further suggest that the science community adopt new standards for public responsibility based on the reality that the continued flow of public funds depends upon the flow of value back to the public. I propose that members of the science community dedicate one hour a week to communicating to the publi