Conscience dilemma: to become a bioengineer or to survive as a biologist.

Abstract

Bioengineering is the consideration of biological problems from modern engineering, therefore money-oriented, perspective. Today, grant-giving bodies always favor bioengineering projects rather than pure biology projects (like those in ecology, entomology, etc.). Therefore, today's biologist is forced to be on the horns of a dilemma. They have to either submit a very powerful and valid reason for the proposal of their project, or change the project to one having a potential of money-based outcome. On the other hand, because of dealing with the living components of nature, conducting a research in pure biology is like a kind of worship. For this reason, from a believer scientist's view, a deviation (in terms of research) from biology to bioengineering can be considered like committing a sin. Unfortunately, today's wild capitalism has been bringing new sinners day by day, and this system will continue for the foreseeable future unless grant-giving bodies comprehend the real importance of pure biology.