An interesting article in
C&EN News discusses attempts to secure multi-year funding for science as
opposed to the current system of annual congressional appropriations. This has
been a dream of many scientists for years, and such stability would no doubt enhance
scientific productivity in the US. The President’s Council of Advisors on
Science & Technology (PCAST) has now come out strongly in favor of the
multi-year approach, but whether this will influence Congress to relax its hold
on the purse strings is in doubt. One aspect of this that isn’t much discussed
is the potential impact on the careers of young scientists. One of the most
difficult aspects of career development in research institutions is the
enormous uncertainty about grant funding. When NIH or NSF funding levels wobble
a few percentage points from year to year it can be a career breaker for early
stage scientists. While multi-year funding wont reduce the intense competition
for grants, at least it would make the process more predictable and allow
better career planning.
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