Rescuing US biomedical research from its systemic flaws

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2014 Apr 22;111(16):5773-7. doi: 10.1073/pnas.1404402111. Epub 2014 Apr 14.

Abstract

The long-held but erroneous assumption of never-ending rapid growth in biomedical science has created an unsustainable hypercompetitive system that is discouraging even the most outstanding prospective students from entering our profession--and making it difficult for seasoned investigators to produce their best work. This is a recipe for long-term decline, and the problems cannot be solved with simplistic approaches. Instead, it is time to confront the dangers at hand and rethink some fundamental features of the US biomedical research ecosystem.

Keywords: federal funding; graduate education; peer review; postdoctoral education.

MeSH terms

  • Biomedical Research / economics
  • Biomedical Research / organization & administration*
  • Health Planning Guidelines
  • Humans
  • Research Personnel / supply & distribution
  • Research Support as Topic / economics
  • United States
  • Workforce