Immunology research is riding the crest of a wave, with significant laboratory results proliferating, observers of the field say.
"Immunology remains one area in biomedicine that has relatively good prospectives for employment, and one that is likely to continue doing somewhat better than most others," says Robert Rich, a professor of microbiology, immunology, and medicine and vice president and dean of research at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston.
As immunologists look ahead, many see their discipline poised to translate its accumulated basic science knowledge into tangible human good. However, many also point to obstacles and challenges that may stand in the way of that accomplishment, including substantial problems in communicating and setting appropriate priorities within such a fast-growing, widely dispersed field. "The field has grown very fast and the current priorities seem skewed," says Ellen Vitetta, a professor of microbiology and director of the cancer immunology center at ...
