The discussion revolves around experiences and challenges faced by researchers in securing funding for scientific projects, particularly in the context of an AAS conference. It touches on the emotional aspects of grant applications, the competition for funding, and the evolving landscape of financial support for research.
Participants express a mix of humor and concern regarding the funding landscape, with no clear consensus on solutions or the future of research funding. Multiple competing views on the effectiveness of different funding strategies are present.
Limitations include the lack of specific data on funding outcomes and the varying definitions of success in securing research funding. The discussion reflects ongoing uncertainties in the funding environment for scientific research.
turbo said:Perhaps researchers should get some training in sales, though it can be tough selling something intangible... :)
Lavabug said:I thought this was worth sharing, filmed at an AAS conference:
Both hilarious and a little sad.
jtbell said:Just last night I was reading the in the latest Physics Today, an article about people using crowdsourcing sites to try to get some money for their research projects.
In contrast, DOE's high-energy physics program, which funds work in elementary particle physics, would see its budget fall 1.7% from the 2012 level to $777 million.