GENETIC EFFECTS 17 



5. The Manpower Problem 



If rapid progress is to be made toward the solution of the practical problems referred to 

 earlier in this report, and if, at the same time, efforts in basic research are to be increased, the 

 question immediately arises as to where the necessary manpower is to be found. 



There are two obvious possibilities: ( 1 ) more effective use of present personnel through 

 the provision of better facilities and probably additional technical help, and (2) the training 

 of more research workers in genetics. The first will depend on adequate financial support plus 

 wise administration at all levels. The second will come about if the teaching of genetics is 

 sufficiently inspired and enlightened, and if careers in genetics are made attractive enough in 

 opportunity, stability, and financial reward. 



With recent substantial increases in funds for research in genetics, along with corre- 

 sponding increases in other areas of science, such activity in academic institutions has been 

 increased largely through the employment of postdoctoral research fellows or research as- 

 sociates on a temporary basis wth funds granted for short terms and for specific projects. The 

 result has been a relatively large increase in non-tenure staff members who do little teaching 

 and for whom the prospects of obtaining regular teaching or research posts are discouragingly 

 small. The creation of additional faculty-level posts in genetics would appear to be a solution. 

 This will require that suitable long-term sources of financial support be found for the purpose. 



6. Continuity of Support 



Many of the needed studies in genetics, especially those involving experimental mammals 

 and men, require continuous effort over many years. Without some reasonable assurance of 

 continued support, financial and other, there is an understandable reluctance to initiate such 

 investigations. Investigators of high competence cannot be expected to associate themselves 

 with long-term projects unless they can reasonably look forward to continuing support at 

 realistic financial levels. It is therefore of the greatest importance that ways be found for re- 

 ducing the present uncertainty in these respects. Both capital grants for specific areas of study 

 and long-term program grants, the latter regularly renewed well ahead of expiration dates, 

 should go a long way toward improving the present situation. There are in fact encouraging 

 signs that some governmental and other fund-granting agencies are coming to recognize this 

 need and are making real progress in meeting it. 



George W. Beadle, Chairman Berwind P. Kaufmann 



H. Bentley Glass, Rapporteur H. J. Muller 



James F. Crow James V. Neel 



M. Demerec W. L. Russell 



Theodosius Dobzhansky a. H. Sturtevant 



G. Failla Shields Warren 



Alexander Hollaender Sewall Wright 



