But.... let me ask, specifically in Harvard's case. Why does an institution with a $50 billion endowment receive federal funding?

#10 | POSTED BY CRISISSTILLS1 AT 2025-06-01 03:47 AM | REPLY

Because they have and do some of the most important research that benefits America and the world in a plethora of disciplines

Research that simply will not be done otherwise well at least not in America

Research that enables American industry to be at the forefront of technology and medicine

That research (and the research at other universities) is the foundation of our economy

Medicine and Biology:
Microbiome Research:
.
Harvard Medical School researchers have made crucial discoveries about the microbiome and its impact on various aspects of health, including the immune system, mental health, and metabolic disorders.
T-Cell Aging:
.
Researchers have identified a specific metabolic pathway deficient in aged T cells, potentially offering insights into restoring weakened immune function.
Single-Cell Sequencing:
.
Harvard has developed and utilized single-cell sequencing technology to map the fates of individual cells during early embryonic development.
Cancer Immunotherapy:
.
Harvard Medical School is exploring the potential of microbes to boost the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy.
Engineering and Technology:
RoboBees:
The Wyss Institute is developing RoboBees, small flying robots, for various applications like agriculture and disaster relief.
Kirigami:
Researchers have adapted the art of Kirigami to create innovative designs for sensors, stretchable electronics, and other soft robotic materials.
Quantum Computing:
Harvard researchers created the first demonstration of a large-scale algorithm execution on an error-corrected quantum computer.
Metalenses:
Harvard's School of Engineering and Applied Sciences has pioneered the development of metalenses, revolutionizing light manipulation.
Social Sciences and Humanities:
Harvard Study on Happiness:
.
A long-term study has found that positive relationships are the most consistent predictor of happiness, health, and longevity.
Neurobiology of Musical Talent:
.
A Harvard Graduate School of Education alum conducted the first study to uncover neurobiological predispositions for musical talent in infancy.
Digital Humanities:
.
Harvard is at the forefront of utilizing computational methods to study the digital humanities, exploring topics like artificial intelligence, digital archives, and online learning.