Umberto Galderisi voiced an excellent opinion in American Scientist. I must agree, even sitting on the outside of research, with him. However, his comment, “It is obvious that at a time when there is a shortage of funding, only those scientists who are truly outstanding have a good chance of receiving grant awards.”, generated some disagree. My contention is that we may well be catching sight of conservative fashions of favorings.

So then, Dr. Galderisi may be too polite in his wording. Perhaps a significant portion of the problem resides in his work not offering enough political, social or just economic incentive! Gaining favor from those with money in their pockets doesn’t absolutely rest in the work itself. All those with money to give are goaded with other prods. Not all of the prodding they experience is for negative reasons, either. They can be searching only for those who will do what the source of their money wants. Who the money is handed to can also gain the giver of those dollars lauds, as well.

So then, Umberto, I can only agree with you in part. Perhaps, you should only bear a portion of what motivated the giver of money to bypass your desiring hands.