> 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:&#x20;

* Sponsoring research that aligns with their individual organizational mission&#x20;
* Awarding grants to scientists and projects that will provide a safe return on investment&#x20;

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.&#x20;

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.&#x20;

Unfortunately, no objective metrics exist to judge the value of the scientific knowledge produced by any given research output.&#x20;