The US economic stimulus package totals $500 billion, but of that, only $1 billion is for science. Elias Zerhouni tells Nature that that's "almost an insult, frankly." He also says that the US is "subsidizing the industries of the past at the expense of investments in the industries of the future." A related article in the Washington Post says that the next NIH director has his or her work cut out: NIH's budget, when adjusted for inflation, has declined; the average age of an investigator at the time of first grant has risen to 42; conflict-of-interest rules need to be overhauled; and more. Science Progress adds that the American Association of Research Universities is sending a letter to the Obama administration with suggestions on how to help schools out.