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)

Issues in sponsored research are addressed: institutional commitment and targeted budget allocations, administrative and faculty commitment--structure and support services; sponsored research and institutional characteristics; and faculty development programs--research-oriented. (MLW)

Public confidence in the results of research conducted by universities and research and development laboratories is being threatened by the disclosure of instances of ineptitude, plagiarism, and outright fraud at some of our most prestigious institutions. Pressures for consistent success in research can promote an environment conducive to…

A survey to determine the role, structure, and function of the research and sponsored programs office at predominantly undergraduate institutions that have a small volume of awards from external funding sources is reviewed. The methods these institutions employ to encourage research and sponsored activity are examined. (Author/MLW)

Increased direct and indirect costs of university-based research are a result of availability of more powerful instrumentation, replacement of obsolete facilities, more stringent health and safety regulations, and salary increases. Graphs show trends in indirect costs since 1980 and percentage change of direct and indirect costs since 1984. (DB)

This article examines possible changes to provide increased federal funding for university-based research facilities. The difficulties of converting between depreciation and use allowances are discussed, as is the possibility of using current market value versus acquisition cost as a basis for costing calculations and splitting the indirect cost…

The article looks at one university-related research park, the Alabama TechnaCenter, which is characterized by cooperation between the community and Auburn University. Considered are benefits of the park perspective; early involvement of Gunter Air Base; first buildings; cooperation of government, business, and university agencies; and…

This paper categorizes and tabulates recommendations of 16 reports published since 1980 addressing ways to improve the management of federally sponsored academic research in the United States. The analysis found that most frequently reiterated recommendations have not been implemented, possibly because implementation often depends on consensus of…

A brief history of research involving humans is followed by discussion of the use of students in university research projects and institutional responsibility to students and the public. Institutions are encouraged to incorporate specific controls into research policies to avoid legal problems in the areas of contract theory, fiduciary…

This paper describes the evolution of the university research mission, noting the growth of governmental and industrial support of research; the importance of decentralization in university research; and the role of universities in recommending and implementing national science, research, and education policies. (Author/DB)

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)

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)