Sentence:  A more free and easy attitude prevailed in selecting research topics than today, when the funding squeeze keeps most academic scientists in a tight <WSD>caucus race</WSD> of grant getting and paper production that precludes forays into risky serendipitous pursuits. 
Meaning of the word marked with <WSD> tags:  A laborious but arbitrary and futile activity; an activity that amounts to running around in a circle, expending great energy but not accomplishing anything.