As mentioned in other threads, the role of self-preservation is hard to dismiss. Most universities drop the task of getting external funding to the researcher.

As mentioned in other threads, the role of self-preservation is hard to dismiss. Most universities drop the task of getting external funding to the researcher. In order to maintain their position they must bring in X dollars. Of course, the results of all fundings have to be made meaningful to the funder. I get it, they need to eat too. It is a shame that the Harvards of the world don't have huge research departments where the goal is always the public good funded through their monstrous endowments. I know RWJ does this kind of research but they only run so many and we have 1000s of researchers at countless universities all trying to just stay alive who will always pick up trash studies to pay the bills.