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The argument for diversifying the NIH grant portfolio.

¹Department of Biology, Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology, and Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599 peifer@unc.edu.

Molecular Biology of the Cell

|November 1, 2017

Summary

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) strategy for funding biomedical research is becoming less diverse, concentrating grants among fewer scientists. This trend risks harming scientific progress by potentially closing labs of productive early and midcareer researchers.

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Area of Science:

Biomedical research funding
Scientific workforce development
Grant allocation strategies

Background:

Historically, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) fostered biomedical science by supporting young investigators.
Recent trends show a less diversified funding portfolio, with grants concentrated among a smaller group of researchers.
This concentration poses a threat to the sustainability of research programs for many scientists.

Discussion:

Data suggest diminishing returns in scientific output beyond a certain funding threshold for individual investigators.
The NIH's consideration and reversal of the Grant Support Index (a cap on individual funding) are examined.
The paper analyzes the potential negative consequences of the current funding distribution on scientific innovation.

Key Insights:

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The current NIH funding model may inadvertently stifle scientific progress by over-funding a few researchers.
Productive early and midcareer scientists are increasingly at risk of losing their labs due to funding challenges.
The concentration of funds raises concerns about the long-term health and diversity of the biomedical research enterprise.

Outlook:

Alternative solutions to the current funding dilemma are explored.
The scientific community is urged to evaluate the acceptability of the status quo.
Advocacy for concrete, alternative funding models is called for to ensure a robust scientific future.