Flat funding hurts medical research

[Rose Siding]

Flat federal funding for biomedical sciences is changing the way laboratories operate, universities hire and researchers work.

President Bush's proposed $2.77 trillion federal budget for fiscal year 2007 does not include a funding increase for the National Institutes of Health, the federal focal point for medical research. Combined with a nominal increase the year before and the rising cost of medical research, it amounts to the first cut in spending at the NIH in 30 years.

It's not just the NIH's 27 institutes and the more than 2,000 institutions that support some tens of thousands of primary researchers and laboratory workers that are planning for life with less money. National organizations ranging from the American Cancer Society to the National Postdoctoral Association have expressed concern that less money could have repercussions for years to come.

"It will impact Pitt as it will every other entity" that is trying to secure biomedical research funding, said Arthur S. Levine, senior vice chancellor for health affairs and dean of the University of Pittsburgh medical school. "It will be harder to get money and there will be less of it."

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/06133/689900-115.stm

[stray cat]

1. As a researcher - I can't agree more!

Funding opportunities for medical research is at an all time low. Scientists will surely be losing jobs.

[ecoalex]

2. So what does the drug cos do with all that $$$$?

Given all kinds of breaks,taxes, welfare, exclusive sales, no offshore sales allowed.Like the oil cos they cry, and their profits soar.Bastards

[kineneb]

3. BushCo is anti-science

R&D doesn't bring instant profit and is therefor "unprofitable". Discoveries might challenge their "faith-based" world view.

Asshats.

[man4allcats]

4. Tell me about it!

I got laid off a year ago from a major biomedical research institution. Since then I've had one position (it was awful! - clearly the worst in my 12 year career). I am presently unemployed but actively searching. I can get interviews, but for nowhere near my former salary. As a research tech, I am not alone either. I have heard similar stories from throughout the field, and indeed a number of my own professional acquaintances are also experiencing such difficulties. The standard joke is get yourself a street corner and hold a sign that reads:

WILL LECTURE FOR FOOD!