What challenges do you face?
Does technology help overcome challenges?
Research skills vs. technology 

Challenges Faced by Life Science Researchers
Researchers face a wide range of research-related challenges (the average respondent checked six issues).  The need to shorten the time required for research (61%), increased pressures for productivity in research (58%), and increased pressures to reduce the cost of research (54%) are leading concerns.

The Role of New Technology in Overcoming Challenges
Virtually all respondents (92%) indicate that new technology (biochemicals, instruments, equipment) plays a role in helping their organizations overcome challenges, with 74% indicating that the role is Significant or Very Significant.

Researcher Skills vs. Technology
Most respondents believe that in the research process today, there is a proper mix of the researcher’s knowledge and skills versus the use of technology. However, some worry about an overreliance on technology. Here are some comments:

• "As freeing as technology is, it can also free the researcher from logic and accuracy."
• "Discoveries result from observations and a bend towards innovation … Innovations can also result from the marriage of other technologies."
• "Science should be guided by smart hands, not smart machines."
• "Without breakthrough ideas from the researchers, the technology will not be properly utilized."
• "Technologies can speed the validation process as well as improve production numbers."

About This Survey
This survey was prepared and conducted by Martin Akel & Associates, Chester, N.J. for the Advantage Business Media Science Group’s publications, Bioscience Technology and Drug Discovery & Development magazines. The survey was sent to a random sample of readers in November, 2007.