That's all very interesting. Since I am not on the inside, it's difficult for me to verify the way things are done.

I am glad to hear the NIH has been following a rational policy. Perhaps it hasn't gone off the deep end yet, but it is kind of funny (and concerning) that there are situations where you'd have to describe why you wouldn't be studying women for prostate cancer, in an industry where truths about biology are the most important, as a life can hinge on gender-specific treatment.

And frowning at your blue eyes - a characteristic you didn't choose - is rather telling that in part, the quest for compassion has brought back some tribalism based on immutable characteristics, and crudely managed, as "blue eyes" are interpreted as a token of the privileged while you can be classed as a minority yourself. That's quite the odd situation to have to defend yourself this way.

I think I will look more into the investigators, grant reviewers, and the NIH stats on awarded grants.

Thanks so much!