Scientists Turn To Crowdfunding For Research

It’s a tough time for medical researchers in the U.S.

The percentage of research grants winning federal funding is at a low ebb, and Washington budget battles could result in less money in the future.

Some scientists are turning to crowdfunding — asking people online to directly support their research.

A cancer researcher in Seattle turned to his patients and their families to raise money for a new cancer therapy that he developed.

Now he’s expanding his search for non-traditional ways of supporting drug discovery, in hopes of finding cures faster.

NPR Science Correspondent Joe Palca joins us to talk about the growing practice of crowdfunding science.

Guest

• Joe Palca, science correspondent for NPR. He tweets @joepalca.

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