Amazona vittata. Courtesy of Omar Monsegur - USFWS Endangered Species
Day by day, scientists face great challenges in carrying out their research. Traditionally, in order to fund their projects, scientists write research proposals to government agencies, where they are evaluated by other colleagues. The challenge is even greater for early career scientists, as they must compete with established scientists with vast experience. The picture is less encouraging if we consider that the budget problems threaten the "sequestration" of funds for science and technology.