There are a lot of 'innovative' ways to improve efficiency, catalyze transitional research, and improve scientific investment smartly. I agree with you that injecting more money into an inefficient system is ultimately self-defeating. We need a multifarious approach, in which policy improvements are concomitant with an increase in funding and a robust system for harnessing the investments made in training young scientist.

Take the following example. At a very basic level, duplications in so called 'discoveries' should be discouraged. Often, several labs are asking identical questions using identical approaches. Not only is this a huge waste of human and capital investment, but also leads to major set backs in scientific careers. We must remember that research dollars come from tax payers and so we must strive for efficiency; I don't think we are there yet.

I believe improvements have to be implemented broadly and include changes in the academic culture as well. Because funding policy largely dictates the behavior of scientists, this can be achieved by implementing sound funding policy. In addition to providing more funding, some thought should be given to developing innovative ways to improve efficiency, and promote 'out-of-the-box' thinking.

Mo Motamedi, Ph.D.
Dept of Cell Biology
Harvard Medical School
240 Longwood Avenue
Boston, MA
02115