Editor’s
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Laura L. Kiessling University of Wisconsin, Madison BOARD OF EDITORS
Jennifer A. Doudna University of California, Berkeley
Kai Johnsson Ecole Polytechnique Fe´de´rale de Lausanne
Anna K. Mapp University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
Michael A. Marletta University of California, Berkeley
Peter H. Seeberger Eidgeno¨ssische Technische Hochschule
James R. Williamson The Scripps Research Institute EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD
Carolyn R. Bertozzi University of California, Berkeley
Brian T. Chait Rockefeller University
Tim Clackson ARIAD Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Jon C. Clardy Harvard Medical School
Benjamin F. Cravatt The Scripps Research Institute
Peter B. Dervan California Institute of Technology
Rebecca W. Heald University of California, Berkeley
Linda C. Hsieh-Wilson California Institute of Technology
Tony Hunter Salk Institute
Stephen C. Kowalczykowski University of California, Davis
Richard H. Kramer University of California, Berkeley
Thomas V. O’Halloran Northwestern University
Hiroyuki Osada RIKEN
Anna M. Pyle Yale University
Ronald T. Raines University of Wisconsin, Madison
Charles Sawyers University of California, Los Angeles
Stuart L. Schreiber Harvard University
Peter G. Schultz The Scripps Research Institute
LETTER The Capital To Drive Scientific Research
W
ith the economy in the midst of a recession, funding for scientific research, already stagnant over the past few years, finds itself facing a difficult future. The percentage of federally funded U.S. grant applications has decreased by half over the past decade, and it seems the trend may continue, both in the U.S. and abroad. So, what can be done in order to maintain a culture of innovation in the face of so much economic turmoil? As scientists, we can certainly advocate for a greater share of the resources that are available; with a $700 billion bailout in the works, the issue is not an absolute lack of funds, but rather where those funds are directed. In calling for increased allocations for scientific research, it should be stressed that Congress would be supporting a growing industry and a source of jobs, while maintaining the country’s competitiveness in a global marketplace. And just as public works projects stimulate the economy while providing benefits for all, scientific projects provide far-reaching benefits, including new medical treatments and energy solutions. Realistically though, even with increased allocations, it is unlikely that there will be a true surge in scientific funding until there is a surge in the overall economy. No one can predict when that will happen, so what tangible things can we do? I would suggest increased dedication to the teaching and training of young scientists. In a difficult job market, many people will look to further their education, meaning we can expect an influx of undergraduate and graduate students arriving on campuses seeking knowledge and mentorship. These young researchers will make up the core of the future scientific leaders in this country, and it will be critical to nurture these students from the outset of their careers. We can also reach out to students to stoke their interest in science at an even younger age. For instance, the American Chemical Society provides a program called Project SEED, through which economically disadvantaged students can spend a summer working alongside a scientist in an academic, industry, or government research laboratory. The program has been running since 1964 and has helped to launch hundreds of careers. Each mentor works with only one or two students, ensuring individual attention as the students develop laboratory, written, and oral skills. Mentors can also provide career guidance and recommendations for college, while past participants have additional opportunities to receive scholarships for college. You can learn more about the program, including how to become a mentor, at www.acs.org/projectseed. The financial pinch may be with us for the time being, but through education and programs like Project SEED, we can all help maintain the human capital that drives scientific research.
Michael P. Sheetz Columbia University
H. Ulrich Stilz Sanofi-Aventis, Frankfurt
Christopher T. Walsh Harvard Medical School
Eric Martens Managing Editor, ACS Chemical Biology
10.1021/cb800302h CCC: $40.75 Published online December 19, 2008 © 2008 by American Chemical Society
www.acschemicalbiology.org
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