Existing federal government policies and systems to protect against scientific misconduct in government-supported research projects are described, and additional considerations not covered in federal policy are enumerated. Misconduct inquiries and review procedures are outlined. Applicant and institutional responsibility and the role of prevention…

The evolution of the definition of scientific misconduct in two federal agencies, the Public Health Service/National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation, is examined, and the resulting regulatory definitions are contrasted. Further change is anticipated as the definitions are criticized and challenged. (MSE)

Implementation of IT "solutions" in the context of changes to business processes and efficiency is a common trigger for using formalised project management techniques. The trigger may include topical activities such as job evaluation schemes or quality assurance accreditation. This has led to a blurring of the boundary between projects and…

A 1994 meeting to discuss current stresses on the university research system brought together faculty and administrators from 13 research institutions, federal research-sponsoring agencies, members of Congress, and interested professional association and philanthropic foundation representatives. Participants acknowledged that the system of…

University management of research on nuclear weaponry provides better scientific results and more independent advice than would be possible under government or industry management. (MSE)

A consideration of ethics is necessary in the development of guidelines for conducting and reporting research. A brief description of the history of ethical guidelines in research is presented followed by suggestions for development of ethical guidelines, both those that can be legislated and those that cannot. (SI)

The president of Princeton University expresses concerns about the health of the research enterprise including changing societal values, the economics of current intellectual development (e.g., increased costs to support each investigator and the large number of underfinanced efforts), and the tension between teaching and research obligations. (DB)

Points to be covered in clinical trial agreements are identified including: need to specify what is being paid; the need for and purpose of confidentiality provisions; publication review provisions; patent arrangements; the need for indemnity provisions and what these provisions should provide; and informed consent requirements and termination…

The traditional definition of public service for and from the public university is being challenged. The new educational and technical requirements of corporations and the informational and technical needs of all levels of government are forcing higher education to reassess its array of informational and instructional services. (Author/MLW)

Instances in which federal patent or copyright law may be too rigid or limited to protect university research are discussed, and the applicability of trade-secrets law is assessed, particularly under the Freedom of Information Act. Differential treatment of trade secrets under state laws is considered. (MSE)

Describes some of the problems that have been identified in federal research funding, administration, and support of research initiatives and training concerning child abuse and neglect. Remedies for these difficulties are outlined, research priorities are identified, and ways to rejuvenate the federal government's role in this area are suggested.…

The role of national research councils as buffers between the state and the scientific community is discussed from three perspectives--research councils as part of a stratified, dispersed decision-making structure; a para-governmental organization; and promoting transnationalization of scientific and educational exchange. Pressures and threats on…

It is proposed that universities fund all research prospectively, one project at a time, as publishers do, and require faculty whose research has not been funded to fill his work schedule with teaching, effecting significant savings and the understanding that time off for research is not automatic. (MSE)

A discussion of scientific fraud and research misconduct looks at the federal mandate for more effective control by institutions and sponsoring agencies, the response of higher education associations, and issues awaiting consensus development, including anonymous reports, protection of the "whistle-blower," legal representation, and the…

A discussion of the relationship between the university and industry in research looks at the challenge of balancing the academic institution's pursuit of entrepreneurial and sometimes precedent-setting industry relationships with its responsibility for ensuring the integrity of its scientific enterprise. Development of reasonable policy for…