March 25, 2012

NIH Courts Younger Researchers, Even as It Debates How Far to Go

NIH Courts Younger Researchers, Even as It Debates How Far to Go 1

Chronicle photo by Paul Basken

Some 200 junior researchers from 90 institutions assembled at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory to hear the NIH's Richard Nakamura, with a panel of grant reviewers, provide tips for drafting successful proposals.

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close NIH Courts Younger Researchers, Even as It Debates How Far to Go 1

Chronicle photo by Paul Basken

Some 200 junior researchers from 90 institutions assembled at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory to hear the NIH's Richard Nakamura, with a panel of grant reviewers, provide tips for drafting successful proposals.

By Paul Basken

Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y.

On the surface, a gathering held for young research faculty last week at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory was a clear expression of determination by the National Institutes of Health to help them compete for grants. The agency fears that continued Congressional budget cuts, combined with the growing number of scientists who work later into life, could drive younger researchers away from academe, leaving university labs dangerously understaffed in coming decades.

As sunshine bathed the