Bldg. 10, Room 9N-119

October 23, 1969

Professor Paul D. Boyer
Molecular Biology Institute
University of California
Los Angeles, California 90024

Dear Doctor Boyer:

  At a recent meeting of intramural scientists at NIH
Dr. Iamont-Havers, of the Research Grants Division, outlined
sane of the projected consequences of the general decrease
in funds isor bio-medical research. He anticipated that
recent administrative decisions concerning  the use of such
funds would lead to a particular deficiency in money for
young researchers. This group was characterized as those
just completing post-doctoral training and ready to embark
on independent research.

Given the importance of this particular group to future

biochemical research, I would like to suggest that the Society
of Biological Chemists consider a special effort to encourage
and support the young scientists. More particularly, I
suggest that the Society investwte the possibility of
raising money and then dispersing it, as research grants, to
individuals in the category described above.
for funds have occurred LO me, but obviously other ideas are
necessary. One possibility is personal contributions frm
Society members.  This would probably not raise a great deal
of money, but would serve to stress our own responsibilities
to science. Another source would be cmercial establishments
directly involved in supplying equipment and chemicals for
biochemical research. Since the viability of these businesses
depends on active research, they will presumably have a
concrete interest in encouraging young scientists to continue
in research. Furthermore, it seems likely that a large part
of any money they contribute will return to them as payment
for the things they sell.

Several sources

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  It may well be that further thought and investigation
will suggest that this proposal is unfeasible.  However,
given the current discouragement among young people, and
the real threat that many will turn to other pursuits,  I
believe it is of great importance for the Society to consider
seriously its responsibilities in this regard.
discussion of this issue within the Society will yield
other proposals directed at the same problem.

Perhaps

Sincerely yours,

Maxine F. Singer