A science policy analyst is evaluating the impact of research grants. If a grant of $50,000 increases a lab's output by 20%, and a second grant of $30,000 increases output by an additional 15%, by what percentage does the total grant increase the lab's output?

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 11:06:46 +0000

Title: How Research Grants Drive Lab Output: A Science Policy Analyst Evaluates Grant Impact In science policy, understanding the return on investment from research grants is critical. A key question analysts often address is: To what extent does a research grant boost a lab’s output? Using real-world examples—such as grants increasing output by measurable percentages—we explore how incremental funding drives productivity, using a practical case involving two grants. ### The Scenario: Two Grants and Their Combined Impact Imagine a laboratory receiving two separate funding injections: a $50,000 grant and a subsequent $30,000 grant. According to recent analysis, the $50,000 grant increases lab output by 20%. Then, the additional $30,000 grants a further 15% increase. The core question is: by what percentage do the combined grants boost total output?