Bacterial pathogens are rapidly becoming resistant to almost all antibiotics (Nature 495, 141; 2013). To make matters worse, the drug-discovery pipeline of new antimicrobials is almost empty (M. S. Butler and M. A. Cooper Curr. Drug Targets 13, 373–387; 2012). The major funding bodies therefore need to give top priority to research into antibiotic discovery and resistance.

In a snapshot survey last month of the websites of 11 of the world's largest medical and scientific research-funding agencies (in the United States, Europe, Canada and Australia), I found none that allocated substantial grant money to antibiotic discovery or development, or to research on antibiotic resistance.

The funding agencies I have surveyed might argue that properly constructed applications all receive a fair hearing, but that is not the same thing. Researchers are generally adept at tailoring their grant proposals to fit funding priorities, particularly when prompted by a large financial carrot.