May 1, 1953

Nattiral Sciences division
The ‘Rockefaller Foundation
49 West 49 Street
New York 20, N.Y.

Gentlemen:

As you know, the Foundation has been suppcrting our research program
on bacterial immunogenetics, with a grant which is scheduled to expire
four months hence. It is necessary that I now look forward to seeking
provision for our subsequent needs.

I have always deeply appreciated the informality with which the Founda-
tion has negotiated with us in the past. If it were possible, I would look
forward to a personal interview with any of your representatives who may
charmce to visit Madison in the near future. I regret that I do not contem-
plate a visit to New York at present. If this is not feasible, I shculd like
the opportunity to submit a2 request for renewed support from the foundation.
Pending the com letion of the term of the present grant, when a more complete
report will be gladly submitted, I enclose a copy of a repcrt recently returaed
to the National Institutes of Health, and ancther to the Atomic Energy Com-
mission, as an interim accounting of our research progress.

May I also briefly oftline our budgetary situation. During the past two
or three years, we have had substantial support from the Atomic Energy Com
mission and especially from the Chemical Corps. Hcwever, the direction of
our research has deviated from the criginal objectives of the contracts. In
addition, clearance requirements have tended tc embarrass publication. (Such
clearance, for our unclassified research, has entailed nc questicn of national
security, but appears to be primarily concerned with questions of patentability.
The irrelewance of these to our particular work does not alleviate the adminis-
trative delays). I am not, therefore, seeking to renew these ccntracts.

Including my own salary, I can expect research support from intramral
sources of about $15,000 p.a. The National Institutes of Health has awarded
a research grant (subject to legislative approval) of $9,000, with a four-
year commitment of intention. Our laboratory needs will depend on our ability
to find the right pecple, but are estimated at an additional $6,000 - $8,000
per annum, About 70% of these funds are required for salaries (heavily weighted
this year with requirements for post-doctoral assvuciates, but including graduate
student and technical assistants. The remaining 30% is divided among glassware
and chemical supplies, without about 19% for durable apparatus. I have not yet
mentioned a very considerable expenditure planned by the University for the
remodelling and refurnishing of our laboratory space. I do not need to dwell
on the advantages to the investigator of commitments for 3-4-5 years.
This statement of our position should not be construed as a formal
application, which may be made in due course through the usual and necessary
channels. I hope you will not consider inappropriate that I apprise the
Foundation of our present position, as a preliminary to further discussions.

You will, I know, appreciate my concern over initiating these discussions
early enough so that commitments may be made tc present and prospective
workers in our research group. The likely members of this group for next
year include, in addition to myself, Dr. B. M. iMrs. J] Lederberg, Dr. T. C.
Nelson, Mr. 4. L. Morse, Miss Helen Byers, presently with us, and Dr. Aleck
Bernstein and pessibly one other associate or assistant, not yet settled.

The allocation of specific funds towards these salaries has not been made.

Yours sincerely,

Joshua Lederber;
Associate Professor of Genetics