The Scientist is to be commended for its considered treatment of neuroscience research funding in Job Market Sluggish For Neuroscientists by Marcia Clemmitt (Oct. 12, 1992, page 1). The article correctly points out that even though this is one of the most exciting areas of biomedical science, most fine research is underfunded.
When Congress passed the Decade of the Brain resolution, hopes were justifiably raised that funding for neuroscience would finally catch up to the enormous research opportunities.
However, the road has not been smooth. Most of the constituency for expanded research, including professional societies, government research agencies, and voluntary health agencies, were not accustomed to working collectively. The 20 federal agencies supporting brain and behavior research were also not accustomed to cooperative action, and some were quite threatened by it. The Decade of the Brain effort lost its founder, Rep. Silvio O. Conte (R-Mass.), whose advocacy for years was ...
