The debate over whether patents should be granted to the first applicant to file, advocated by some industrialists, or to the applicant who first invented is examined. Relevant patent priority laws are outlined, arguments on both sides are presented, the arguments are related to universities, and ways in which university concerns can be met and…

A discussion of clinical trials in the pharmaceutical industry describes typical processes and administrative issues, then presents a case in which a foreign pharmaceutical company negotiated with a university for sponsorship of a multicenter clinical trial of a new drug therapy. Problems and important considerations in clinical trials are…

Declining federal support for scientific research has led colleges and universities to turn increasingly to business for help. Ralph Nader recently complained that business threatens to take over the university. Closer examination suggests there is a problem but somewhat different and harder to resolve than that suggested by Nader. (Author/MSE)

The need for additional evaluation of university research support offices is supported through a review of the literature and an informal survey of these offices in public universities and doctorate-granting colleges. Regular, periodic evaluations are recommended. The suggested model combines internal, collegial, and peer evaluation for balanced,…

Based on the idea that clear communication between researchers and research administrators can help minimize problems in research project administration, Texas A&M University designed an orientation program to establish early communication and positive working relationships. A survey of 42 research administrators indicates a growing trend…

This reprinted 1970 article examines the need for and the education of college and university research administrators. The article stresses the need for research administrators to have knowledge of basic business theory and practice; a feeling for research theory and practice; an ability to work with funding agencies; and understanding of how…

A pilot program at the University of Missouri-Kansas City included creation of a part-time administrative position to enhance cooperative ventures between the university and the pharmaceutical industry through placement of clinical trials among academic units with interdisciplinary research programs in the health sciences. Sponsored funding levels…

Research management strategies used effectively in a large-scale clinical trial to determine the health effects of exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam are discussed, including pre-project planning, organization according to strategy, attention to scheduling, a team approach, emphasis on guest relations, cross-training of personnel, and preparing…

The ways in which the Medical College of Pennsylvania has coped with exceptional growth in its externally funded research in the last seven years are discussed. Management has used commercially available computer software and two personal computers to establish five databases and facilitate provision of services. (Author/MSE)

The challenges of resolving conflicts between the sponsored programs administration office and the development office are discussed and the need for cooperation and role demarcation are emphasized. Steps taken by the University of Akron (Ohio) to enhance cooperation between the offices through cooperation and communication are outlined. (MSE)

Increasingly, academic institutions are asked to redress perceived national and regional economic shortcomings directly through technology transfer, formation of new companies, and product development; but the effectiveness of these mechanisms is unproven. Academic administrators must assess the match between capability and goals and preserve the…

Describes a cooperative collection development program implemented by the Network of Alabama Academic Libraries (NAAL) to strengthen resources available for graduate education and research. Topics discussed include funding collection development, the formula for the equitable distribution of funds, research support, and other related activities.…

The need for research administrators to understand and appreciate the pharmaceutical industry's research and development environment is discussed, using examples from Canada. The research administrator's role in the technology transfer process and implications for faculty are examined. Ways to build closer school-industry ties are discussed. (MSE)

When its video news releases received little television exposure, North Carolina State University developed a successful half-hour news magazine series to showcase its teaching and research efforts. The program has been well received, has provided good publicity, and makes needed news footage available in a timely fashion. (MSE)

The issues universities must address in developing technology transfer policies and activities are examined, including definition of academic, financial, and economic objectives; identification of available resources; creation of a favorable institutional environment; appropriate arrangements for research administration and industry liaison; and…