Scientific research in promising areas is the activity that drives technological progress and helps humanity to solve pressing problems. However, there is often a massive barrier between discovery and a scientist in the form of a lack of funding. Thus, even many talented scientists are forced to suspend their research without sufficient sponsorship. Fortunately, many different foundations make the work of scientists easier. The John & Catherine MacArthur Foundation is one such organization that supports creative people who show exceptional achievement and enormous potential. This essay focuses on reflections on the MacArthur Fellowship and its possible impact on my life.
The MacArthur Foundation is a preeminent organization sponsoring the most outstanding people. Since 1981, 1,061 people have won memberships in the MacArthur Fellowship (About MacArthur Fellows Program). These people were selected anonymously based on their personality traits, creativity, and unique vision of the world. Thus, this program is not a reward for existing achievements but should be regarded as contributing to the future. This incentive allows one to fully unleash their potential without being tied to sponsors and their expectations. The awarding of this grant is a demonstration of support of a specific person and their capabilities, which, judging by the decision of the Foundation, can be helpful to everyone.
Consequently, the impact of this scholarship on a career path is very specific. Since a person is given money to realize their potential, there usually is no sharp career growth or sudden career change to continue research in the area they are engaged in. If such a scholarship were awarded to me, then most likely, its appointment would be related to my work in the field of biomedical engineering, which is my university major.
Thus, even if at the time of obtaining membership in the MacArthur Fellowship, I would have been engaged in other activities, having received such significant support, I would continue to develop and research in this direction. This area of activity is vital since it allows not only compensation for impaired body functions using various devices but also for designing living tissues with predetermined properties (What Is Biomedical Engineering?). Therefore, the scope for development here is extensive, including in the field of regenerative medicine, which is my specialization.
I would like to focus on this specific area of medicine if I have enough funds. This field is devoted to various ways to restore the functioning of various body systems using, for example, transplantation or cloning. There are many diseases in which regenerative medicine can be applied, from diabetes to dentistry. However, from my point of view, it is imperative to use this approach in cases where other treatment methods are not effective enough.
In the current situation, such an area is the COVID-19 pandemic, the fight against which is extremely difficult. Research has shown that regenerative medicine can repair tissue damaged by this disease and restore the effectiveness of immunity after disease (Basiri et al. 172). Thus, the treatment of post-COVID complications with the help of regenerative medicine is a potentially effective and relevant area since many people have suffered from this disease. Therefore, this particular field of activity would be my choice, subject to the availability of the MacArthur scholarship.
Works Cited
“About MacArthur Fellows Program.“ John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, 2021. Web.
Basiri, Arefeh, et al. “Regenerative Medicine in COVID-19 Treatment: Real Opportunities and Range of Promises.” Stem Cell Reviews and Reports, vol. 17, no. 1, 2021, pp. 163-175.
“What Is Biomedical Engineering?” Michigan Technological University, 2021. Web.