The scientific community's expectations for biomedical research exceed funding capacity. Despite national social and economic problems, funding for biomedical research is already high. Additional funds will not solve the problem entirely. The biomedical community must set priorities and allocate money accordingly. New policies for allocating funds…

The Association of American Medical Colleges' statement defines misconduct in research, discusses its prevention, and outlines suggested processes and policy for handling allegations of misconduct, appeal and final review, and disciplinary action. (MSE)

A study investigated perceptions of 606 scientists and 91 institutional representatives (IRs) toward the National Institutes of Health Office of Research Integrity concerning appropriate punishment for unethical research behavior. Respondents suggested punishment for 80% of unethical scenarios presented to them. Punishment type was related to…

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) has begun funding longer research award terms, limiting the number of projects to be funded. A model was developed to assess alternative research funding policies that might allow NHLBI to support more competing awards. Findings and implications for research stability are reported. (Author/MSE)

A review of the literature on university faculty research productivity found a consistent set of 12 characteristics common in research-conducive environments. Findings included (1) the leader has a disproportionate impact through his influence on all the other characteristics, and (2) participative governance is important in promotion of research…

A joint cholesterol research venture between a University of Massachusetts medical center and a health maintenance organization, the Fallon Healthcare System, is described, focusing on issues arising from the two institutions' differing priorities and perspectives concerning health care and research. While such a collaborative arrangement can hold…

This article notes that since World War II, medical schools have experienced substantial growth in administrative activities and expansion of faculty role, largely because of strong federal support for research and competition to obtain grants. Commonsense proposals for reform are offered, but a number of obstacles to change are also seen,…