> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.researchhub.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.researchhub.com/welcome/the-problem/research-grants-incentivize-waste.md). # Research grants incentivize waste Funders' grant-making decisions are driven by two overarching goals: * Sponsoring research that aligns with their individual organizational mission * Awarding grants to scientists and projects that will provide a safe return on investment Funding organizations invite scientists to apply for research grants and distribute financial awards based on the perceived quality of a grant application towards achieving the aforementioned goals. Typically, funders dedicate upwards of 5% of their operating budgets towards administering this process. Determining if a project aligns with an organization’s mission is relatively straightforward. Unfortunately, no objective metrics exist to judge the value of the scientific knowledge produced by any given research output. --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter: ``` GET https://docs.researchhub.com/welcome/the-problem/research-grants-incentivize-waste.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.