Three issues are discussed: (1) conflict between the pharmaceutical industry and academe; (2) how and why some companies contract their research efforts to colleges; and (3) how colleges can increase their percentage of industry monies available for contract research. (Author/MSE)

Laws governing university ownership of paleontological specimens and resources, and attempts by the federal government to claim ownership, are discussed. A 1993 court case and its implications for universities are reviewed; and current statutes, regulations, and proposed legislation are examined. Guidelines for university paleontologists in…

A Michigan court has ruled that a Wayne State University (Michigan) chemistry professor appropriated a trade secret from a Massachusetts chemist for whom he was consulting and incorporated it into his own patent application, violating a written agreement. The university contends its pursuit of the patent was not improper. (MSE)

Sources of potential health-related research support outside the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) are discussed to encourage VA field research administrators to seek out new research funding arrangements. The history and scope of extra-VA research funding is reviewed and the VA research administrator's role is examined. (MSE)

A national survey of 213 research universities found 2 models of research program administration predominate: an officer for graduate studies and another for research, and a single officer handling both responsibilities. The former is more common at the most research-oriented institutions. Choice of model depends on program similarities,…

The Texas legislature has mandated assessment of research programs in the state that receive separate line-item appropriations. The two-phase process involves institutional self-studies and site visits resulting in a final report with recommendations. The first two cycles of the assessment have indicated that process is more critical than result.…

The following administrative aspects of scientific experimentation with human subjects are discussed: the definition of human experimentation; the distinction between experimentation and treatment; investigator responsibility; documentation; the elements and principles of informed consent; and the administrator's role in establishing and…

Systems dynamics, a computer-based tool for visualizing how parts of an organization work together over time, is a valuable tool in administrative decision making. Feedback loops among elements mimic complicated behavior in real or imagined situations. An experiment using the technique with a simple research funding model validated its utility.…

The National Science Foundation's effort to assess ways to improve the speed and accuracy of data collection from universities by federal agencies is discussed. Although only one phase of the project was completed, it is concluded that the issues surrounding electronic data collection have important implications for university research…

The project accounting system used by the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign School of Chemical Sciences exchanges financial data with the campus' central accounting system and allows integration of this information with user-entered data to produce an easily read, fully obligated project accounting statement for the budget and period…

The State University of New York College at Brockport's experience in overcoming organizational challenges to implementing a successful sponsored research program is outlined step by step. A key to program success has been psychological support and supportive climate for faculty and staff through every stage of grant seeking. (Author/MSE)

This article proposes that preparation of a sponsored research proposal is a reasonable alternative to the doctoral dissertation as a means of demonstrating scholarly ability. The skills needed to complete a dissertation are seen as similar to those for developing, writing, and submitting a major proposal for federally sponsored research. (MSE)

The scientific community's expectations for biomedical research exceed funding capacity. Despite national social and economic problems, funding for biomedical research is already high. Additional funds will not solve the problem entirely. The biomedical community must set priorities and allocate money accordingly. New policies for allocating funds…

Australian research funding, with increased emphasis on social and community relevance, is criticized inappropriately by both traditional and radical segments of the humanities and social sciences. Higher standards of research planning may promote more equitable and rational funding, and there is still room for humanities research in the new…

The increasing competitiveness in international industry has raised new demands for effective research management, resulting in an array of science policy techniques and extensive experimentation. However, the new techniques must be tested, developed, and refined and applied with considerable caution before science policy can be based on them…