Patrusky Lecture: Systemic flaws in the biomedical research enterprise

Biomedical research, says Shirley Tilghman, is experiencing a Dickensian moment: it is both the best of times and the worst of times. Remarkable advances in imaging technology, and the power of genomic and proteomic methods to interrogate the behavior of single living cells, promise both new insights into the fundamental workings of the natural world and significant improvements in human health. At the same time, the system has fallen into a Malthusian dilemma in which too many individuals are chasing too few resources. The consequence is a hypercompetitive environment where it is increasingly difficult for innovation and creativity—essential ingredients for producing great science—to thrive. This lecture will explore the systemic flaws in the structure of the biomedical enterprise, looking at causes and offering some solutions.

Social media hashtag: #RescuingResearch