An online survey of 3,700 scientists conducted by the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) and 15 other scientific organizations in June and July found that cuts in US government research funding has affected research activities. Academic researchers accounted for 91% of respondents, and 81% were faculty or primary investigators. Sixty-three percent of those surveyed received a federal grant in the past three years. Sixty-seven percent of those surveyed receive less grant money now than they did in 2010, and 68% do not have funds to expand their research operations. Fifty-three percent of respondents have had to turn away young researchers, 65% have had difficulty receiving funding, and 46% have laid off scientists or expect to soon. Federal spending on scientific research has declined nearly 30%, including inflation, between 2004 and 2013. From 2008 to 2012, the only research agency not to experience a decline in purchasing power was the NSF.

Source: ASBMB