A US National Academy of Sciences report suggesting ways for universities to avoid budget cuts should be released by year end. According to Nature, which spoke with some members of the panel preparing the report, researchers may be urged to scrimp by sharing equipment, facilities and management duties with each other and with other research institutes. Also, the government may be urged to simplify some regulations of research grants and may be asked to cover the indirect costs of research, which are 30 cents of every dollar. Currently, institutions can only be reimbursed for up to 26% of such costs, but there are exemptions. To fund grants, universities are dipping into tuition fees, which lessens public support for universities. The report will also encourage the government to focus on research most likely to lead to innovation and employment.

Source: Nature