I
:1 Biomedical
Research of Basic
Funding: Biomedical
The National Caucus of Basic Biomedical Science Chairs’ (the Caucus) was formed in March of 1991 at a meeting of presidents and representatives of the basic biomedical science chairs’ associations. The objectives of the Caucus are to examine the principal issues confronting our common faculties on questions of 1) biomedical research funding, 2) human resources, 3) education of scientists and physicians, and 4) awareness of the general public of the essential role of biomedical research in enhancing health, quality of life, and economic growth. The Caucus focuses exclusively on basic science disciplines represented in our medical schools. Unlike the American Association of Medical Colleges and its Council of Academic Societies, the Caucus is constituted only from preclinical departments, rather than from the additional clinical, hospital, and administrative components of our medical centers. The Caucus is deeply concerned about the lack of adequate financial support for promising research as well as the need for stability in the funding process. We ask the President, the Congress, and the public to make a stronger commitment to basic biomedical research, as a long-term investment of immense potential. Delays in reaching these goals are wasteful and detrimental to our health and economy. According to National Institutes of Health (NIH) Director Bernadine Healy, a biological revolution has transformed biomedical research by creating new “critical technologies representing fields of fundamental science that transcend diseases, organs, or body components and have become vital to understanding all of them” These critical technologies, including molecular and cell biology, molecular genetics, immunology, and structural biology, are now “especially ripe for investment.” (See this issue, page 3138.) The Caucus, in developing a plan to increase funding for biomedical research, notes the following considerations. 1) Although NIH reports only a 25% overall “success rate,” the likelihood of funding for new investigator-initiated research applications is even lower. The previously highly respected peer review system was not designed for, nor does it successfully function under, such restrictions that permit funding of so few meritorious grant applications. We fear that many of the most imaginative new thrusts in research stand far less of a chance for success in funding than better established traditional approaches. We need both, but are curtailing the former. 2) Our country’s younger population is increasingly reluctant to enter scientific professions, because alternative careers have become more economically and professionally secure and rewarding. We must assure the continuity of a supply of well-trained, competent scientists capable of taking on the challenges and opportunities of research careers. 3) We are losing our international lead in research technology. We must develop a national health science research policy and program, especially since recent changes in the world permit and actually mandate that we reevaluate our national priorities. We strongly recommend a doubling of funding over the next 2 or 3 years such than non-defense research and development reaches about 3% of the GNP, which is the present level in the major industrialized countries. Unfortunately, the existing ceiling on “discretionary”
Vol. 6
October
1992
View of the National Science Chairs
Caucus
domestic spending prevents our federal government from acting adequately to boost biomedical science. At present our country, with total costs exceeding $800 billion a year for health care - almost half coming from state and federal governments-spends $9 billion for NIH research (1.1% of cost). Increased investment in biomedical research could help curtail this ever-escalating cost without lowering the
“Scientists must argue convincingly throughout the country that support for biomedical research is not part of the problem but is part of the solution for our economic growth.”
quality of care. Many commercial enterprises invest heavily in research and development, with the enormously successful U.S. pharmaceutical industry averaging 16.5% of sales. 4) Because of our country’s present financial difficulties, the Caucus recognizes that our government must carefully set priorities. Scientists must argue convincingly throughout the country that support for biomedical research is not part of the problem but is part of the solution for our economic growth. It is a vital national investment, with a proven record of financial returns, that can lead to a progressive reduction of our country’s deficit by providing new industries and products. 5) To succeed in our campaign for increasing basic biomedical funding, the Caucus recognizes the need to communicate more effectively to the public that the products of biomedical research are the leads to improved health. We must make more deliberate efforts to explain to the public what it is we do and why we do it, and we must increase understanding of disease and the underlying processes. For these endeavors, the use of animals, treated humanely, is essential.
‘Amerjcan Association of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Neuroscience Chairpersons: Robert Kelley, U. of New Mexico; Keith O’Steen, Bowman Gray, Wake Forest U.; George D. Pappas, U. of Illinois; Michael H. Ross, U. of Florida. Association of Chairmen of Departments of Physiology: Charles D. Barnes, Washington State U., Pullman; DonaldJ. Marsh, U. of Southern California; M. Ian Phillips, U. of Florida; Harel Weinstein, Mount Sinai. Association of Medical and Graduate Departments of Biochemistry: Diana S. Beattie, West Virginia U.; Allen R. Rhoads, Howard U.; Thomas E. Smith, Howard U. Association for Medical School Microbiology and Immunology Chairs: Joel B. Baseman, U. of
Texas Health Science Center; Kenneth L. Berns, Cornell U.; Arthur G. Johnson, U. of Minnesota, Duluth. Association for Medical School Pharmacology: James W. Fisher, Tulane U.; H. George Mandel, George Washington U.; Elliot S. Vesell, Pennsylvania State U.; Raymond L. Woosley, Georgetown U. Association of Pathology Chairmen: William A. Gardner, Jr., U. of South Alabama; John M. Matsen, U. of Utah.
EDITORIAL
3133
w.fasebj.org by Universite De Sherbrooke Bibliotheque Generale (132.210.236.20) on January 14, 2019. The FASEB Journal Vol. ${article.issue.getVolume()}, No. ${article.issue.getIssueNum
H.
This entails a major public relations effort at selling health science, such as the one undertaken so successfully by NASA for its programs. To launch this program requires the cooperation of outstanding professionals experienced in this arena. 6) In recent years, the public image of science has been damaged. The scientific community, eager to maintain the highest standards of scientific integrity, is addressing these important issues. According to recent surveys, the public appreciates the need for and benefits of health research, and is more willing to provide it financial support than is our government. Scientists, especially biomedical researchers, must unite in defining common goals and objectives. In summary, our Caucus supports targets that exceed the previous small and insufficient annual increments that were based largely on matching inflation. Our primary objectives are to permit our nation to continue its leadership role in science and technology in the 21st century, while actively combating disease. Such action will encourage our brightest young people to select science as a professional career. But it will require doubling current spending for biomedical research over the next few years, an organized effort to communicate our objectives with the intended benefits to the lay public, and the promotion of careers in science to the next generation. The Caucus is now planning a campaign to achieve these objectives.
D YES!
Please
enter
George Mande4
Ph.D
Caucus Chair Professor and Chairman Department of Pharmacology The George Washington University Medical Center Washington, DC 20037 Raymond
L.
Woosley, MD,
Ph.D
Professor and Chairman Department of Pharmacology Georgetown University School of Medicine Washington, DC 20007 Elliot
S. Vesell, MD,
Sc.D
Evan Pugh Professor and Chairman Department of Pharmacology Pennsylvania State University College Hershey Medical Center Hershey, PA 17033
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Vol. 6
October
1992
w.fasebj.org by Universite De Sherbrooke Bibliotheque Generale (132.210.236.20) on January 14, 2019. The FASEB Journal Vol. ${article.issue.getVolume()}, No. ${article.issue.getIssueNum
:1 Biomedical
Research of Basic
Funding: Biomedical
The National Caucus of Basic Biomedical Science Chairs’ (the Caucus) was formed in March of 1991 at a meeting of presidents and representatives of the basic biomedical science chairs’ associations. The objectives of the Caucus are to examine the principal issues confronting our common faculties on questions of 1) biomedical research funding, 2) human resources, 3) education of scientists and physicians, and 4) awareness of the general public of the essential role of biomedical research in enhancing health, quality of life, and economic growth. The Caucus focuses exclusively on basic science disciplines represented in our medical schools. Unlike the American Association of Medical Colleges and its Council of Academic Societies, the Caucus is constituted only from preclinical departments, rather than from the additional clinical, hospital, and administrative components of our medical centers. The Caucus is deeply concerned about the lack of adequate financial support for promising research as well as the need for stability in the funding process. We ask the President, the Congress, and the public to make a stronger commitment to basic biomedical research, as a long-term investment of immense potential. Delays in reaching these goals are wasteful and detrimental to our health and economy. According to National Institutes of Health (NIH) Director Bernadine Healy, a biological revolution has transformed biomedical research by creating new “critical technologies representing fields of fundamental science that transcend diseases, organs, or body components and have become vital to understanding all of them” These critical technologies, including molecular and cell biology, molecular genetics, immunology, and structural biology, are now “especially ripe for investment.” (See this issue, page 3138.) The Caucus, in developing a plan to increase funding for biomedical research, notes the following considerations. 1) Although NIH reports only a 25% overall “success rate,” the likelihood of funding for new investigator-initiated research applications is even lower. The previously highly respected peer review system was not designed for, nor does it successfully function under, such restrictions that permit funding of so few meritorious grant applications. We fear that many of the most imaginative new thrusts in research stand far less of a chance for success in funding than better established traditional approaches. We need both, but are curtailing the former. 2) Our country’s younger population is increasingly reluctant to enter scientific professions, because alternative careers have become more economically and professionally secure and rewarding. We must assure the continuity of a supply of well-trained, competent scientists capable of taking on the challenges and opportunities of research careers. 3) We are losing our international lead in research technology. We must develop a national health science research policy and program, especially since recent changes in the world permit and actually mandate that we reevaluate our national priorities. We strongly recommend a doubling of funding over the next 2 or 3 years such than non-defense research and development reaches about 3% of the GNP, which is the present level in the major industrialized countries. Unfortunately, the existing ceiling on “discretionary”
Vol. 6
October
1992
View of the National Science Chairs
Caucus
domestic spending prevents our federal government from acting adequately to boost biomedical science. At present our country, with total costs exceeding $800 billion a year for health care - almost half coming from state and federal governments-spends $9 billion for NIH research (1.1% of cost). Increased investment in biomedical research could help curtail this ever-escalating cost without lowering the
“Scientists must argue convincingly throughout the country that support for biomedical research is not part of the problem but is part of the solution for our economic growth.”
quality of care. Many commercial enterprises invest heavily in research and development, with the enormously successful U.S. pharmaceutical industry averaging 16.5% of sales. 4) Because of our country’s present financial difficulties, the Caucus recognizes that our government must carefully set priorities. Scientists must argue convincingly throughout the country that support for biomedical research is not part of the problem but is part of the solution for our economic growth. It is a vital national investment, with a proven record of financial returns, that can lead to a progressive reduction of our country’s deficit by providing new industries and products. 5) To succeed in our campaign for increasing basic biomedical funding, the Caucus recognizes the need to communicate more effectively to the public that the products of biomedical research are the leads to improved health. We must make more deliberate efforts to explain to the public what it is we do and why we do it, and we must increase understanding of disease and the underlying processes. For these endeavors, the use of animals, treated humanely, is essential.
‘Amerjcan Association of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Neuroscience Chairpersons: Robert Kelley, U. of New Mexico; Keith O’Steen, Bowman Gray, Wake Forest U.; George D. Pappas, U. of Illinois; Michael H. Ross, U. of Florida. Association of Chairmen of Departments of Physiology: Charles D. Barnes, Washington State U., Pullman; DonaldJ. Marsh, U. of Southern California; M. Ian Phillips, U. of Florida; Harel Weinstein, Mount Sinai. Association of Medical and Graduate Departments of Biochemistry: Diana S. Beattie, West Virginia U.; Allen R. Rhoads, Howard U.; Thomas E. Smith, Howard U. Association for Medical School Microbiology and Immunology Chairs: Joel B. Baseman, U. of
Texas Health Science Center; Kenneth L. Berns, Cornell U.; Arthur G. Johnson, U. of Minnesota, Duluth. Association for Medical School Pharmacology: James W. Fisher, Tulane U.; H. George Mandel, George Washington U.; Elliot S. Vesell, Pennsylvania State U.; Raymond L. Woosley, Georgetown U. Association of Pathology Chairmen: William A. Gardner, Jr., U. of South Alabama; John M. Matsen, U. of Utah.
EDITORIAL
3133
w.fasebj.org by Universite De Sherbrooke Bibliotheque Generale (132.210.236.20) on January 14, 2019. The FASEB Journal Vol. ${article.issue.getVolume()}, No. ${article.issue.getIssueNum
H.
This entails a major public relations effort at selling health science, such as the one undertaken so successfully by NASA for its programs. To launch this program requires the cooperation of outstanding professionals experienced in this arena. 6) In recent years, the public image of science has been damaged. The scientific community, eager to maintain the highest standards of scientific integrity, is addressing these important issues. According to recent surveys, the public appreciates the need for and benefits of health research, and is more willing to provide it financial support than is our government. Scientists, especially biomedical researchers, must unite in defining common goals and objectives. In summary, our Caucus supports targets that exceed the previous small and insufficient annual increments that were based largely on matching inflation. Our primary objectives are to permit our nation to continue its leadership role in science and technology in the 21st century, while actively combating disease. Such action will encourage our brightest young people to select science as a professional career. But it will require doubling current spending for biomedical research over the next few years, an organized effort to communicate our objectives with the intended benefits to the lay public, and the promotion of careers in science to the next generation. The Caucus is now planning a campaign to achieve these objectives.
D YES!
Please
enter
George Mande4
Ph.D
Caucus Chair Professor and Chairman Department of Pharmacology The George Washington University Medical Center Washington, DC 20037 Raymond
L.
Woosley, MD,
Ph.D
Professor and Chairman Department of Pharmacology Georgetown University School of Medicine Washington, DC 20007 Elliot
S. Vesell, MD,
Sc.D
Evan Pugh Professor and Chairman Department of Pharmacology Pennsylvania State University College Hershey Medical Center Hershey, PA 17033
my 1993 subscription
to The FASEB PHONE
DEPARTMENT
ADDRESS
BLDG/ ROOM
_________
POSTAL
COUNTRY (Outside
ZIP
STATE
CODE_
1993 U.S. RATES
Journal
_____
NAME_______ ORGANIZATION
CITY
of Medicine
US. Must Add Expedited
Li FASEB Society Member $39
Postage
Li Nonmember $95
Below)0
Maryland
Li Institution $250
__________________
-
Residents
Li Student/Fellows
add 5% Sales Tax $39 (certification
required)
Li Retired $39
Li MEXICO/CANADA add $20 Li ALL OTHER COUNTRIES add $48 Li JAPAN Rates & Orders: USACO, Corp., 13-12 Shinbashi 1 Chome,
Minato-Ku, Toyko, 105 Japan; Telex J26274- FAX 03 593-2709 PAYMENT OPTIONS: OUR GUARANTEE You Risk Nothing! ii flVC.flCOI.t
poirno of
diti.fi.d.
yo.
Li Check Enclosed (U.S. currency only, drawn on U.S. bank) Make checks payable to The FASEB Journal Invoice
Charge to my:
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Vol. 6
October
1992
w.fasebj.org by Universite De Sherbrooke Bibliotheque Generale (132.210.236.20) on January 14, 2019. The FASEB Journal Vol. ${article.issue.getVolume()}, No. ${article.issue.getIssueNum
