As the federal government pumps millions of research dollars into a handful of megaprograms, hundreds of smaller, more important research initiatives are falling by the wayside, they say. Should this trend continue, many of the country's brightest young people will continue to spurn careers in scientific research for more stable and lucrative professions. Meanwhile, those students who do choose science will be forced to pursue an ever-narrowing scope of research problems deemed bankable by funding agencies.
But the picture isn't totally bleak. Despite scientists' gloom over funding shortfalls and their nearly unanimous disenchantment with big science, most say there has never been a more exciting time in science than now. Rapid advances in several disciplines--most notably neuroscience and molecular biology--have opened up entirely new areas of research, they say. But in order for such advances to continue, 1991's top science priorities must include attracting young talent to the science professions, ...
