Consequences, Benefits of Corporate-Funded University Research Examined in Lawrence University Panel Discussion

APPLETON, WIS. -- Is the growing presence of corporate America compromising the integrity of research at U.S. universities? Does corporate funding impede the natural progression of science by suppressing the free flow of information?

Four Lawrence University faculty members will discuss the benefits and consequences of corporate-sponsored scientific research at American universities in a panel discussion Tuesday, Feb. 6 at 4:15 p.m. in Science Hall, Room 102. The forum is free and open to the public.

When research universities receive multi-million dollar grants from large corporations, the grants often come with strings attached, such as corporate veto power over possible research, the delay or suppression of findings where proprietary interests of the corporate sponsor are concerned and patenting rights to any discoveries. Critics argue grant arrangements restrict the free exchange of ideas and lead toward corporate control of the research enterprise. Proponents see the agreements as a means to supplement decreased public funding for university research and as a vehicle to promote the public good by bringing cutting-edge discoveries and breakthroughs to market as useful products.

Examining both sides of the issue on the panel will be Corry Azzi, professor of economics,Jeff Collett, assistant professor of physics, John Dreher, professor of philosophy, and Richard Summers, assistant professor of chemistry. An audience question-and-answer session will be conducted following the discussion.