Ethics Rules Send NIH Scientists Packing

[cal04]

Nearly 40 percent of the scientists conducting hands-on research at the National Institutes of Health say they are looking for other jobs or are considering doing so to escape new ethics rules that have curtailed their opportunity to earn outside income.

Most scientists say the ethics crackdown is too severe, and nearly three-quarters of them believe it will hinder the government's ability to attract and keep medical researchers, according to a survey commissioned by the government's premier medical research agency.

The tightened rules were put in place last year after NIH found dozens of scientists had run afoul of existing restrictions on private consulting deals that had enriched them with money from drug and biotechnology companies.

Outside income from such companies is now banned. NIH also is placing greater restrictions and disclosure requirements on employees' financial holdings.

http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/us/AP-Research-Ethics.html

[aquart]

1. Is this about ethics or discouraging research?

Because this administration doesn't normally TIGHTEN ethics rules.

[Demeter]

2. I Think It's About the Govt. Wanting Patents

That greed for power and control has infested the military side for decades now. There are fortunes to be made in health care technology, and Bush's buddies want them.