You should try and see how easy (as in NOT at all) it is for a researcher to get research funds. Once (s)he gets them it is like new lease on life. Without such

You should try and see how easy (as in NOT at all) it is for a researcher to get research funds. Once (s)he gets them it is like new lease on life. Without such funds you have very slim chances on progressing. So, I would say it is a big deal that he committed his research funds to do this. It is curious as in why only his personal money would make his effort valiant!