&gt;Grant writing is a very painful form of writing and I have relatives that have made good money by being good at it[1]. I do believe it would be tough to do research and put the time in to be an acceptable grant writer. Something has got to give.<p>I have tenured professor relatives and the thing that usually &quot;gives&quot; is the time spent on the actual research.  From what I can see they spend a little time teaching, a little time managing grad students, and a lot of time grubbing for grants.  I don&#x27;t consider them scientists at all - they&#x27;re middle managers.<p>It&#x27;s an enormous waste of talent.