The journey from graduate student to practicing medicinal chemist has become increasingly convoluted and torturous over the last 10-15 years as the industry has endured numerous layoffs, mergers and a drastic increase in outsourcing of chemistry jobs. The demand on experienced chemists to balance cost with innovation has reached a breaking point while simultaneously the opportunities and mentoring available for younger chemists is at a crossroads. This talk will detail through scientific and non-scientific stories one chemist's attempt to navigate the murky waters of scientific innovation within the confines of the business and political structures we have set up to accomplish these goals as well as comment on possible positive paths forward towards a more fruitful future.

Long and winding road: Retaining focus on science in a world of business and politics

244th National Meeting (2012)

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