U.S. mulls new approach to paying overhead costs of research.

Surveys the question of federal support for academic science and focuses on the current review being conducted by the White House Office of Management and Budget which will set the stage for reassessment of the current reimbursement system. No definition of what each partner's fair share should be; Scandal over improper overhead charges; Real prospect for lower rates of reimbursement; Refocusing university efforts; Convergence of disturbing trends; Overhead rates.