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Science Nonfiction: Behind the Scenes in University Research
Every year, the United States spends roughly $60 billion—about 1 percent of the federal budget—on university research. Though this research has far-reaching effects and benefits the public at large, most people are unaware of the inner workings of academic research. Who bears the risk for new discoveries? What role do graduate students play in innovation? What are the shortcomings of academic research, and can the system be fixed?
In Science Behind the Scenes in University Research, Darren J. Lipomi, PhD, a scientist and educator, offers readers an insider’s perspective of scientific discovery in academia. Drawing on two decades of experience in elite labs and universities, he reveals a system few outsiders ever see. By examining his own career trajectory—from humble beginnings to prestigious universities like Harvard and Stanford to academic leadership—Lipomi illustrates the impact that incentives, power, and politics have on knowledge production.
Science Nonfiction captures both the ingenuity and absurdities of life in the lab. With this book, Lipomi hopes to shed light on the often-overlooked human side of scientific research, purporting that while the system is certainly imperfect, there is hope for a better future. Indeed, even with its immense flaws, academic research represents a significant societal investment in the future. As this investment faces greater scrutiny, limitations, and political interference, understanding the utility of academic research becomes more important than ever before.
In Science Behind the Scenes in University Research, Darren J. Lipomi, PhD, a scientist and educator, offers readers an insider’s perspective of scientific discovery in academia. Drawing on two decades of experience in elite labs and universities, he reveals a system few outsiders ever see. By examining his own career trajectory—from humble beginnings to prestigious universities like Harvard and Stanford to academic leadership—Lipomi illustrates the impact that incentives, power, and politics have on knowledge production.
Science Nonfiction captures both the ingenuity and absurdities of life in the lab. With this book, Lipomi hopes to shed light on the often-overlooked human side of scientific research, purporting that while the system is certainly imperfect, there is hope for a better future. Indeed, even with its immense flaws, academic research represents a significant societal investment in the future. As this investment faces greater scrutiny, limitations, and political interference, understanding the utility of academic research becomes more important than ever before.
154 pages, Paperback
Published June 1, 2026
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June 9, 2026
Inspired by his love of Star Trek, Lipomi sets his sights on creating real life "magic." What he learns through his time as a graduate student, post-doc, then professor is how much blood, sweat, and tears literally are put into STEM products behind the scenes before they go to market -- and how little money or credit these lab workers receive. But for those entrepreneurs or anyone seeking to run their own collegiate lab, the path is worth the price. This conversationally written book is for those who work in science, who aspire to work in STEM, or anyone wanting to understand what the heck a lab post-doc does, and the importance of federal funding to keep our country innovating.
Displaying 1 - 1 of 1 review