SXC.HU, MARCELO TERRAZAHistoric cuts to research funding took effect in March with the start of federal budget sequestration. A survey conducted over the summer, released by the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) last week (August 29), offers a sobering look at how federal funding reductions are impacting working scientists.
More than 3,700 scientists, representing all 50 states and a range of disciplines, responded electronically in June and July to questions about funding, training the next generation of researchers, and the United States’ position among global research leaders. “The data shows that deep cuts to federal investments in research are tearing at the fabric of the nation’s scientific enterprise and have a minimal impact on overcoming our national debt and deficit problems,” said Benjamin Corb, public affairs director for ASBMB, in a statement.
More than three-quarters of respondents reported that they were spending more time writing grants but receiving fewer funds this year, as compared with the time before 2010, when federal declines began. According to the ASBMB, only 2 percent of respondents said they ...
