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)

Changes in federal policies and new federal programs intended to improve American competitiveness in the world markets have spurred increased interest in university developed technologies and the technology transfer programs that attempt to move these technologies from the campus into commercial application. (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 recommendations of the National Institute of Mental Health task force on social work research are reviewed and discussed. It is proposed that as a means of forwarding reform and building an infrastructure for research, doctoral education in social work should be expanded and focused in selected institutions. (MSE)

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…

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) has begun funding longer research award terms, limiting the number of projects to be funded. A model was developed to assess alternative research funding policies that might allow NHLBI to support more competing awards. Findings and implications for research stability are reported. (Author/MSE)

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…

An evaluation of the 10 Centers for Advanced Ceramic Technology in New York State's collaborative research and development program yielded unexpected perceptions held by center, government, and industry personnel. Implications for the research effort, including the role of basic research and the importance of the research center administrators,…

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…

At the University of Pennsylvania, Total Quality Management (TQM) principles were applied to its financial functions to ensure timely recovery of sponsored research funding and reduce research account overdrafts. TQM implementation both saved money and highlighted how important careful formation of the quality improvement team is. (MSE)

A 1992 international seminar on strategies for promoting technology transfer in European universities is summarized. Issues addressed include objectives of technology transfer, evaluation of available resources, institutional climate supporting technology transfer, appropriate administrative arrangements, and the differing perspectives of industry…

The various long-term factors and strategies used to promote sponsored research program development at the University of Missouri-Kansas City during a five-year phase are analyzed. Implementation of a set of specific initiatives is cited as a major factor in establishing an institutional climate for change. (Author/MSE)

Because liberal arts colleges provide valuable undergraduate education in science, mathematics, and engineering, decisions about enhancing their level of research activity must be made carefully, with a clear understanding of what it would entail, what it would cost, and how it could affect existing strengths and contributions. (Author/MSE)