Penn is a world-class research university on the cutting edge of new developments. The results of studies conducted by the University have helped to save lives, and current projects continue to make important advances.
In the near future, however, it may seem to some researchers that their work may be forced to slow down due to fewer financial resources. After receiving a one-time increase of $10.4 billion in fiscal year 2010 as part of the stimulus package, the National Institute of Health is likely to have less grant money available in fiscal year 2011. Add that to President Barack Obama’s announcement proposing a freeze on non-defense domestic spending, and federal research funds will be more difficult to come by.
Some of Penn’s researchers may feel discouraged by this news. But less plenitful NIH funding should not automatically be equated with less research. If you know where to look, you will find a number of sources that award smaller research grants and are less high profile. We believe the University should help researchers in all stages of their careers find alternative ways of financing their projects. Administrators can be a resource for struggling scientists, and they can provide connections to other agencies that give out grants.
NIH funding will always be a large component of financial backing for research, especially in the sciences. But Penn can find ways to ease the burden caused by less NIH funding in the upcoming year. Innovation should not suffer when money is less bountiful.
