White counterparts one-third more likely to get research money
Black scientists applying for research grant applications from the American National Institutes of Health are far less likely to get a positive response than white scientists, according to a new study reported in the New York Times. Researchers from the University of Kansas made statistical adjustments to ensure they were comparing scientists at similar institutions, with similar academic credentials, and found that a black scientist was still one-third less likely to get financing than a white peer. A total of 83,000 grant applications were reviewed from 2000 to 2006. The N.I.H. commissioned the study, and a task force will follow up on the study results.