Brain Quote by Steve Fainaru
“Putting a rheumatologist at the head of a committee that arguably was going to have more influence over brain research than any particular institution in the country at the time, I think a lot of people found surprising.”
About This Quote
Source Article: The New York Times, “Science Funding and Leadership”, 2015
The quote notes surprise at a rheumatologist leading a brain research committee, suggesting interdisciplinary leadership can be unexpected.
In simple terms: Unexpected leadership choices can challenge assumptions about expertise.
Key Takeaway
Question the relevance of expertise to leadership roles.
Themes
leadership
interdisciplinary
science policy
Mood
curious
critical
Type
organizational
policy
When to use this quote
- research funding decisions
- committee appointments
- academic administration
Key Concepts
organizational dynamics
expertise allocation
Questions to Reflect On
- Why was a rheumatologist chosen for brain research?
- What benefits or drawbacks arise from cross‑field leadership?
A Different Perspective
Leadership may lack specific subject knowledge, causing friction.
