University-based weapons laboratories are often assumed to be objective, scientific organizations with no direct financial stake in a particular weapons system, but they are in fact dependent on weapons systems for their continued funding and existence, sometimes lobbying in violation of federal policy. (MSE)

The uses the University of Michigan makes of its federal aid dollars, and the sources of that support, are outlined and a general comparison to the situations of other institutions is made. (MSE)

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)

The controversy surrounding the study by the Committee on the Status of Black Americans requires discussion of: (1) the recent history of race relations research; (2) the role of the study's director; and (3) composition of the controlling committee. Since perspectives of researchers affect study outcomes, diversity in research leadership is a…

In the largest settlement of its kind, New York University has agreed to pay the federal government $15.5 million to resolve charges that it submitted false information to obtain inflated reimbursements for costs associated with research grants. At least four universities are being investigated on similar grounds. The Clinton Administration issued…

A University of Canberra (Australia) program pairs new researchers with experienced researchers as mentors. Mentoring is supplemented with a workshop on research skills and on researchers' issues, questions, and projects. Participants benefitted from support of mentors and other peers. Mentors assisted participants with specific aspects of their…

Describes the role of a research institute director in implementing policy, program, and management changes. Emphasizes the importance of modifying a peer review system to improve funding decisions. Discusses the needs of individuals with disabilities for pragmatic solutions to their problems and the interests of the rehabilitation research…

Reviews research related to the problem of using research findings to improve science classroom practice. Discusses two aspects of the problem: familiarizing teachers with relevant research and identifying aspects of teaching that need to be improved. Provides several research findings. (Author/YP)

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…

The Danish government has awarded more direct control over funding of basic research to a higher education agency of the ministry of education, representing a step toward increasing both the quantity and quality of graduating scientists. However, new problems have arisen from this shift in policy. (MSE)

University researchers, campuses, federal agencies, and legislators are debating issues of disclosure of researcher interests in profits from research results, in order to avoid situations in which profitability may threaten the quality and conduct of scientific and medical research. Proposed National Institutes of Health guidelines are highly…

University research managers can take the lead role in strategic planning statements. As they relate to the development of capability statements, specific planning issues concerning research personnel and management support services are examined. Examples of how university research managers can use capability statements for marketing are…

The National Science Foundation Academic Research Facilities Modernization Program, enacted in 1988, is a significant and promising first step toward comprehensive federal response to the costly and pressing need for research facilities, but is insufficient. Provision for facility modernization, modernization of federal costing policies, and tax…

The American Technological University's pursuit of external funding through grants and contracts is described, and recommendations for staffing, policy, and practice related to sponsored programs are made. (MSE)