Tag Archives: funding

Why we need to better educate the public about science–and stop bill “S. 1973, The Basic Research Act”

Posted on October 24, 2017 by Steve Caplan

The 20th and 21st centuries have arguably been the “Golden Age” for science in the US and other developed countries. Within a generation we have gone from people routinely dying as a result of simple bacterial infections to the power … Continue reading →

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Corruption is contagious: just ask the former US Health and Human Services Secretary

Posted on September 30, 2017 by Steve Caplan

This week, as Caribbean Islands including Puerto Rico are struggling from the horrific effects of Hurricane Maria, as running water and electricity have all but disappeared, and as the first rumors of possible cholera have emerged from the rubble, America’s … Continue reading →

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Paid overtime for post-docs? Implications!

Posted on July 13, 2016 by Steve Caplan

A new rule issued by the US Department of Labor, scheduled to go into effect on Dec. 1, 2016, is likely to have a major impact on the structure of the biomedical research enterprise in this country. This rule, which … Continue reading →

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How much is my sanity worth?

Posted on May 10, 2016 by Steve Caplan

I think that many scientists today would likely agree that writing grants (and worrying about funding) can drive a person to insanity. A question that I’ve never really pondered until recently is “Would I trade my sanity for a grant?” … Continue reading →

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Hey, I didn’t even get the grant!

Posted on January 14, 2016 by Steve Caplan

Scientists today spend a considerable chunk of their time writing: grants, protocols, manuscripts, reviews, grant reviews, etc. One of the bureaucratic requirements that most of us are familiar with is the “progress report.” Every year — or even after every … Continue reading →

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Has a career in science become a dog’s life?

Posted on November 17, 2013 by Steve Caplan

Ginger, after retrieving a gazillion tennis balls on a beautiful Sunday morning. “A dog’s life?” Certainly a misnomer if I’ve ever heard one; at least for this dog, life is good. Adopted by a loving family, huge walks walks and … Continue reading →

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The scientist as a squirrel

Posted on April 3, 2013 by Steve Caplan

What does one need to obtain grant funding in these tough times? *Overcoming obstacles *Fierce determination *Exceptional creativity and ingenuity *Proof of feasibility *Above all, persistence and resilience In short, behave like this squirrel that entertained us all through dinner.

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Money and the perversion of science

Posted on March 12, 2011 by Steve Caplan

Having just returned the grant review session at the NIH I thought that this would be a particularly good time to bring up something that has been bothering me for a number of years. It’s quite sad, but I’ve slowly … Continue reading →

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