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The academic path is tempting for many. The myth is that you get to spend all day in research and working with ideas. The truth is, a huge amount of time is spe
by ogou 2y ago
The academic path is tempting for many. The myth is that you get to spend all day in research and working with ideas. The truth is, a huge amount of time is spent writing grants and funding proposals. It's a whole industry and researchers and scientists at well-known institutions are expected to bring in a steady stream of funding, including funding their own positions. Historically that has been through foundations and government sources (which are massive). It's entirely unsurprising that brands have gotten involved.
- canjobear 2y agoThe Taco Bell professorship is an endowed chair, not something you apply for. It’s paid for by Taco Bell as a gift to the university, then the university awards it as part of a recruitment (or retention) process for senior professors. It means the professor gets a nice salary and research stipend that is independent from the rest of the school, and can live the life of research and thinking.
- ogou 2y agoIt is a different path through the same system. Your description is the exact language that Yum! Brands, Inc. is hoping people will use. It softens the crass branding of academic projects and positions the effort as altruistic. The American academic environment is filled with these obfuscations.
- canjobear 2y agoWhat do you think is being obfuscated? It’s normal to give money so you can name stuff.