[robotresearcher]

backgrounder:

It's not obvious to outsiders that being a successful researcher is expensive, and the university does not pay for it after a short startup period. Harvard is unusual in that they have much more internal student scholarship money than most, which helps a lot. That subsidy, and the Harvard brand, means that Harvard faculty have a good advantage over the field when raising money.

On the other hand, a lot is expected of them. The university is considering the opportunity cost, and the opportunity is very valuable.