"Research with a 10 year time frame is beingdone less and less in industry because companiesno longer see it as profitable," Martin says.
But Ralbovsky says many corporations andfoundations still provide large sums of money toresearchers.
"There are many, thank God, privateinstitutions and private sector entities wherefunding always has been available and continues tobe used," he says.
The Lobby
Because federal funding helps to sustain manydepartments and programs at Harvard, Rowe says theUniversity is working hard to lobby governmentofficials not to cut money earmarked for scienceresearch efforts.
"My colleagues here and colleagues at otherinstitutions are doing double time to meet electedofficials and critical staff," Rowe says. "I thinkwe have to do a better job communicating what itis that research represents to society today."
Rowe says Harvard will succeed in its lobbyingefforts by discussing the value of scienceresearch in general rather than by dwelling on theimportance of federal money to the University'sbudget.
"That's a harder issue to get across thansomething more definable like student aid," hesays.
Casey says he travels frequently to WashingtonD.C. to join with other University lobbyists inarguing against decreases in research funding.
"There are a number of networks out there thatwe're making a better effort to coordinate with,"Casey says.
Although the Congressional power base hasshifted, officials and staff members still careabout researchrelated issues, Casey says.
"In a difficult period, the Congress holdsresearch in a pretty high regard," Casey says.
"They have professional staff who care and knowa lot about the programs. They give you a realitycheck. They give you the context you're workingin," he says.
University President Neil L. Rudenstine andProvost Albert Carnesale will also meet frequentlywith Senators and Representatives on issues facingthe University, Rowe says.
"President Rudenstine and Provost Carnesale aregong to be a very good one-two punch on studentaid and research funding issues," Rowe says.
While talk of cuts in research funding ismerely "speculative" at this point, Rowe saysimpact of research cuts is so great that Harvardofficials must work as hard as it can to preventthe funding cuts.
"I don't think it's too early to be worryingabout it," he says. "I think we have a verycompelling message."