Research Facilities and Support

Abstract

The availability of laboratory materials and equipment is a major determinant of both the amount and kind of research undertaken and the precision with which it is accomplished. A good supply is important not only in the actual prosecution of scientific research; but also in supporting the feeling of freedom to act, so valuable to morale. Yet a majority of the physiologists questioned by the Survey indicated that some or much improvement was needed in their research facilities. Over half (55%) expressed satisfaction with their living materials and other supplies, but about the same proportion felt that some or much improvement was needed in their laboratory equipment (56%) or in their technical facilities (53%). These data, given in detail in Table VIII-1, are fairly representative for all types of physiologists, although central animal physiologists tended to be less satisfied with their living materials and plant physiologists, with other supplies (Q, I, 91-93). These reactions may partly reflect the effectiveness of commercial supply houses in anticipating and meeting the demands of physiologists.