Argues for broadening of the scope of discussions about sustainable resource management to include pressing but often overlooked "mundane" problems. Discusses bias against the mundane, cookstoves for the poor, Grameen (a bank in Bangladesh) banking, and five key fallacies regarding mundane science. (JRH)

Using genetic engineering as an example, issues related to functions of universities/industry and scientific research are discussed. A research agreement between MIT and Exxon Corporation (on combustion science) is outlined, addressing issues related to such agreements (including patents/patent ownership and publications). Suggests future…