A Scientist's View on Funding
From PLoS Biology, a scientist's view of the movement of funds, politics and funding in embryonic stem cell research in the past years: "All this support from states and private donors puts more scientists to work ... With the uncertainty at the federal level [it's] important that the states and private donors are stepping in, 'instead of scientists stepping back and waiting till the policy changes.' ... those hot on the trail of potential cures using stem cells are not about to sit idly by while Washington fiddles. Kerr is hoping for the best in 2007, but he and his California collaborator, Hans Keirstead, are pursuing nonfederal funding 'while we await changes in D. C.' Both are appealing to private philanthropy groups for bridge funding to make sure their work continues. ... Meanwhile the research moves ahead without the centralized control and oversight of the federal government." Can't say I think that last point is a bad thing; expect higher quality and faster progress per dollar spent when research takes place in a much more competitive environment, i.e. when those who hold the purse strings care deeply and personally about results, and misspending has meaningful personal consequences for those who authorize it.