[forgotpwagain]

Just to add a single word -- I think it is very important that investments be well-targeted. And almost all of the time, this means listening to the scientists involved to get a realistic picture of where the domain experts think the field is going and how to best support efforts that are likely to be successful.

Sometimes, we have some promising leads on disease that we can begin to chase down. Most of the time, however, we have no idea where to begin, and so a shotgun basic science approach may ultimately be more fruitful. Every subfield is different and difficult to master, which is why it is so important to engage with the people who actually do the work.

I know the tone of this sounds like I'm beating a dead horse. I'm sorry.

[kamens]

Completely agree. A tight and respectful partnership b/w scientists and technologists is table stakes in any of these ventures.