With the arrival of online survey tools that are low-cost, readily available and easy to administer, all organizations have access to one of the most effective mechanisms for determining quality improvement priorities and measuring progress towards achieving those priorities over time. This case study outlines the use made of this simple tool by a…

The Certified Research Administrator (CRA) certification has enjoyed success and recognition among research administration professionals. However, this recognition is parochial and does not extend much past the walls of research administration. Results of a recent research study showed that Principal Investigators value and expect certain aspects…

Discusses various policy considerations related to the sharing by universities of the costs of federally funded research in the context of government expectations that research universities will carry out the vital functions of training the next generation of scientists and engineers, performing a large fraction of federally funded basic research,…

Summarizes and compares Public Health Service rules and National Science Foundation policy concerning conflict of interest in research projects, and describes how large research universities have implemented them and developed appropriate conforming documents for disclosure and reporting purposes. Also discusses institutional considerations and…

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)

Fifteen questions about research policy at higher education institutions are posed. The questions address concerns about the credibility and integrity of institutions that perform research in the national interest and are intended to stimulate discussion by policymakers as the country enters a period of likely reductions in federal basic research…

National technology development initiatives in Japan and Europe are playing an increasingly important role in many fields of research. Such heightened international activity suggests a need for a more global perspective on research administration, and raises many questions for the United States' research community and science and technology…

A discussion of technology transfer describes four strategic technologies identified as important to California's economy (biotechnology, advanced materials, information technology, and manufacturing technology) and suggests that university policymakers not lose sight of their responsibility for directing university efforts to improve the human…

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)

A discussion of contemporary conflict of interest in university research administration offers a historical perspective of the political and economic factors in "academic capitalism" and looks at current pressures. Potential conflict situations that must be addressed in institutional policy formation are outlined. (MSE)

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…

Origins of the University of California's procedures for systematic review of principal investigators' financial disclosures prior to acceptance of grants, and the manner in which they are working at present, are examined. The disclosure requirements, faculty committee, criteria, and disclosures made during 1988 are described. Two case studies are…

A discussion of the controversial proposed National Institutes of Health/Alcohol, Drug Abuse, and Mental Health Administration guidelines for policies on conflict of interest are assessed in relation to the University of California's experience with research policies and peer review practice in regulating potential conflict-of-interest situations.…

When conflict-of-interest issues affect research programs and sponsored activities, research administrators make take several crucial roles: participant/advisor in forming, implementing, and overseeing relevant institutional policies and guidelines; counselor to develop ways of avoiding conflict-of-interest situations; and mediator-expeditor for…

Guidelines of the National Institutes of Health and the Alcohol, Drug Abuse, and Mental Health Administration for research activities they support are presented. The guidelines establish minimum standards for the procedures to be adopted by recipient institution, including identification of financial interests that are incompatible with the need…