A New Zealand scientist who made a breakthrough discovery on why women suffer multiple miscarriages now faces life on the dole. Dr Larry Chamley says it is either that, or pack his bags and quit the country, taking his research with him. He faces the tough decision because the research
-- which includes his salary -- is not being refunded by the Health Research Council. He blames the Government, not the council, for not pouring enough money into research that could, in the long term, win the country international kudos and monetary gains.
His dilemma comes hard on the heels of warnings that the country is suffering a serious "brain drain" of talented scientists and researchers. The Dean of the Auckland Medical School, Professor Peter Gluckman, this week condemned funding for research and development as piddling, after revealing details of dramatic breakthroughs into halting the progression of neurological conditions. Dr Chamley, a medical school researcher based at National Women's Hospital, discovered that an antibody produced by some pregnant women interfered with placental growth.
He said he was a New Zealander who wanted to stay in the country and share his expertise, but he would probably leave next March when present funding ran out. The dole was a real option because, although he had been in discussions with overseas institutions, he had not yet been offered a job. Associate Professor John France, director of the university's research centre in reproductive medicine, said Dr Chamley's work could offer hope to very many women. "Yet the dire funding situation for research in New Zealand is forcing promising young scientists like Larry to look for positions overseas or to choose not to come home."
