When talking to people about NIH IDCs, be careful not to accept arguments framed around the assumption that there is "waste" in the system. University IDCs are a banger of a bargain for the taxpayers in any realistic context.
Comments
Log in with your Bluesky account to leave a comment
For instance, think about your mechanic. When you take your car in, the mechanic typically makes around $25/hr. The shop charges you labor at over $100/hr. That $75 is their F&A rate (300%!). NIH indirects, hovering around 50%, are an absolute bargain for the taxpayers.
Now think about what would happen if the mechanic was banned from charging more than 15%. They'd have to try to pay all their bills clearing only $3.75/hr. They'd be instantly insolvent. The attack on NIH F&A rates is not trying to solve any real issues, it's designed to bankrupt research in the US
Comments