The enormous federal deficit and the intent of lawmakers to balance the budget portend that biomedical research funding will not increase in the future. It will be prudent for the scientific community to adopt a long-term, healthy approach to doing science by reevaluating how it funds research.
Scientists have a responsibility to stem an increase in research expenditures. We cannot enjoy the "luxury" of conducting science without tightening our grip on the escalating costs of doing research. An unquestioned increase in research dollars in the past has made our investigations inefficient. Increasing amounts of money were allowed for both direct and indirect costs without question. Now, the fundamental question that needs to be addressed is: Are we managing our research dollars effectively?
Obtaining multiple grants, having a stake in a great sum of money, and acquiring a large team have become matters of pride and prestige to many scientists. Since ...
