Scientists Select the Best Places in the US

The US institutions that made the top 10 list in The Scientist's 2004 Best Places to Work in Academia survey represent an interesting mix of small and large academic and private research centers from across the country. The characteristics that make them great places to work, however, are surprisingly similar.

Many respondents from these campuses noted support for interdisciplinary research as one of their institution's strengths. Top-ranked California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, with only 500 postdocs and 280 faculty members, promotes such collaboration. "Caltech's small size and cooperative and supportive atmosphere make interactions with colleagues easy and profitable," says William F. Tivol, manager of the cryo-electron microscopy facility. "Many places talk about interdisciplinary research, but Caltech makes it a reality. The extraordinarily high quality of the faculty and students leads to a vibrant exchange of ideas and very creative research projects," says Tivol.

Michael Hortsch, cell and developmental biologist...