One university has combined in-depth faculty seminars in grants development with individual assistance, successfully removing intimidation from the grants process and providing attention to specific problems for a large group of faculty. Other, unanticipated benefits of the program include increased research office cohesiveness and visibility.…

Presents a framework for ranking college faculty based on their sponsored-project histories, a departure from conventional academic ranking. Distribution of faculty among these ranks within a unit produces a "funding persistence" profile capable of measuring faculty sponsored-project activity independent of the institutional-productivity model.…

This study examined the allocation of time college faculty give to various research tasks. Case studies were conducted of 12 faculty members in four departments selected for variation by university type (research and comprehensive) and discipline (Physics and English). The work of each faculty member was observed on five non-consecutive days for a…

A study investigated how sustained faculty participation in research fund raising produced substantial increases in external funding while faculty morale eroded. Seven mechanisms based on principles of work motivation had been developed and implemented to help faculty increase external funding. It is suggested this situation resulted from…

Guidelines for dealing openly and directly with potential conflicts of interest in university research administration are offered to help administrators balance the institutional risks and benefits of relationships and interests faculty may have with outside agencies or companies. Advice for developing effective policies and procedures are also…

It is proposed that the principle of academic freedom in research is a myth, and the reality is a tension between the ideals of open inquiry and professors' freedom of choice. A procedural device, a standing committee to review research grants and make choices about external funding, is recommended. (MSE)

The University of Wisconsin River Falls is a small, primarily undergraduate teaching institution with a limited history of grant support. In 1990 it created an office of grants and research, whose director found writing proposals with faculty to be an effective way to increase external funding. The methods, pitfalls, and results of this approach…

Data processing applications in the collection, maintenance, and use of faculty scholarly interest files for pre-award sponsored project functions are discussed, and suggestions are made for database organization and management. (MSE)

A study of fringe benefits requested by 19 research institutions on behalf of recipients of postdoctoral and junior faculty fellowships found differences reflecting varied institutional policies. It is suggested that, given current funding agency concerns about resource allocation, these and other costs might be more appropriately shared by the…

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…

A study examined factors motivating and hindering college faculty (n=248) in pursuit of grants, focusing on differences between tenured and non-tenured faculty. Results suggest non-tenured faculty perceive motivational factors and barriers differently than tenured faculty. Concluding that adequate training in grant writing is essential, it is…

A study identified the issues that influence tenured and tenure-track faculty members' involvement in sponsored projects at Bradley University (Illinois), a predominantly undergraduate institution. Faculty attitudes toward grant-related activities, and incentives and barriers to faculty participation, are discussed. Results show faculty see a…

The distribution pattern of a Canadian research fellowship award is examined in light of application patterns, patterns of research funding in U.S. institutions, and the peer review system. The need to encourage participation through competition is discussed. (MSE)

Although more institutions are looking closely at their practices and policies concerning technology transfer, campus patent officials fear many have not adopted adequate measures to guard against potential ethical, legal, and financial problems in bringing technology to the marketplace. Potential for faculty conflict of interest is seen as…

Universities' external funding and research and their anticipated consequences for research conditions are discussed, drawing on research statistics and interviews with faculty in four departments of the University of Oslo. While it is concluded that university research is not governed by external markets, close observation of the situation is…