Basic science under threat: Lessons from the Skirball Institute.
Sfeir A., Fishell G., Schier AF., Dustin ML., Gan W-B., Joyner A., Lehmann R., Ron D., Roth D., Talbot WS., Yelon D., Zychlinsky A.
Support for basic science has been eclipsed by initiatives aimed at specific medical problems. The latest example is the dismantling of the Skirball Institute at NYU School of Medicine. Here, we reflect on the achievements and mission underlying the Skirball to gain insight into the dividends of maintaining a basic science vision within the academic enterprises.