As researchers turn to industry over government for research funding, it is proposed that research administrators provide substantial assistance to faculty in the different strategies and skills needed to win grants. Differences between corporate and federal sponsors, basic strategies found effective in winning grants, and elements of effective…

New federal regulations concerning direct cost accounting for college and university research projects are explained. It is concluded that the new standard allows institutions to reduce the signatures required on cost transfers and use reasonable cost allocation methods to simplify distribution of direct costs when research is supported by…

Questions and answers by the Association of American Universities address some issues in the complex matter of indirect costs for research projects, including the different kinds of costs, federal treatment of them, the federal indirect cost system, cost allocation, the memorandum of understanding, variation among institutions' costs, and cost…

The founder of the Whitehead Institute (Massachusetts) describes the issues and challenges encountered in establishing a private research institute, focusing on the evolution of the institute's affiliation with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Autonomy, taxes, the differences between academic and industrial organizations, and defining…

It is suggested that small- and medium-sized public universities without a commercial tradition reorganize the research administration function to serve as information clearinghouses, conduct "business intelligence," and identify new technologies and entrepreneurs among researchers. Research administration could include other practical functions…

A discussion of European cooperation on research looks at the role of university research in Europe, European Community (EC) research and technological development projects, indirect effects on research of other EC efforts, and the prospects for university research after the EC becomes established, including new industrial and political…

Guidelines of the National Institutes of Health and the Alcohol, Drug Abuse, and Mental Health Administration for research activities they support are presented. The guidelines establish minimum standards for the procedures to be adopted by recipient institution, including identification of financial interests that are incompatible with the need…

Presnets the questionnaire used to survey college and university chief research officers in a July 1996 study, with response data summarized. The survey gathered information on the administrator's characteristics, research-funding levels and sources, costs, office functions (grant administration, research administration, ethical/legal oversight),…

Key elements of public relations that may apply to the university research environment and lead to greater financial support for research activities are outlined, and examples from the private sector are used to explore the relationships between public relations, organizational growth, and financial stability. Practical suggestions are offered for…

A survey of 100 college and university preaward research administration offices investigated the status of evaluation of these programs. Results suggest formal program evaluation is not a high priority among research administrators. Only 16% used formal evaluation, 53% used ad hoc evaluation, and only 20% initiated or requested evaluation.…

A discussion of the drafting of contracts for international sponsored research projects focuses on the terms of award that relate either to sensitive topics for international sponsors or to significant legal or financial risk to an institution. Issues specific to newly industrializing and developing countries are highlighted. (MSE)

Examines the patterns of contracts between academic marine scientists and two kinds of federal funding agencies. Discusses the quality of working relationships, quality of academic marine scientific work, and dilemma of conflicting value systems. Finds that the scientists rate science-oriented agencies more favorably than society-oriented ones.…

Emphasizes the need of leadership and funding for undergraduate education in the National Science Foundation (NSF). Criticizes the current programs of NSF and suggests some ideas about the improvement of undergraduate education. (YP)

There are many excellent scientists in the natural and human sciences in Canada's small universities. If the institutions implement internal procedures to encourage and foster a research climate and if research councils consider alternative strategies for research funding, research productivity could expand greatly in quality and scope. (MSE)

A comparison of the patent policies of 65 research universities focused on the equity rights of universities in employee inventions, procedures for distribution of patent policies and disclosure of inventions, and income distribution to inventors. Some historical perspective for these practices is offered. (Author/MSE)