I was a research scientist doing research at two private universities over the course of my scientific career. You beautifully summarize the complexities involved in funding and running a research program at a university. Thank you for that. Most people have no idea how complicated it all is. When I became an Assistant Professor, older colleagues told me "it was much easier" when they started their careers. When I finally reached retirement age, it was clear that I could have said the same thing to my younger colleagues. I am concerned that, over time, an academic research career continues to become more and more demanding. At some point, many talented people are likely to conclude that it's just not worth the price that has to be paid. This latest bit of insanity from the T administration will only make the situation worse!
It’s so catastrophic that even ultra-conservative AL Sen. Katie Britt (who gave the response to Biden’s State of the Union last year) spoke up in alarm. (Alabama has major research institutions at various University of Alabama campuses.)
This is what she said to the local Alabama news org http://AL.com: “A smart, targeted approach is needed in order to not hinder life-saving, groundbreaking research at high-achieving institutions like those in Alabama.”
I was a research scientist doing research at two private universities over the course of my scientific career. You beautifully summarize the complexities involved in funding and running a research program at a university. Thank you for that. Most people have no idea how complicated it all is. When I became an Assistant Professor, older colleagues told me "it was much easier" when they started their careers. When I finally reached retirement age, it was clear that I could have said the same thing to my younger colleagues. I am concerned that, over time, an academic research career continues to become more and more demanding. At some point, many talented people are likely to conclude that it's just not worth the price that has to be paid. This latest bit of insanity from the T administration will only make the situation worse!
It’s so catastrophic that even ultra-conservative AL Sen. Katie Britt (who gave the response to Biden’s State of the Union last year) spoke up in alarm. (Alabama has major research institutions at various University of Alabama campuses.)
This is what she said to the local Alabama news org http://AL.com: “A smart, targeted approach is needed in order to not hinder life-saving, groundbreaking research at high-achieving institutions like those in Alabama.”
https://www.al.com/news/2025/02/katie-britt-vows-to-work-with-rfk-jr-after-nih-funding-cuts-cause-concern-in-alabama.html