2.41.01 University Research Policy
| 2.41.01.100 | Purpose |
| The purpose of this statute is to establish research policy for Wayne State University so that the development and extension of knowledge through research is recognized as being among the basic purposes of the University. Both fundamental and developmental research play essential and vital roles in the University. | |
| 2.41.01.110 | Subject Matter of Research |
| To the extent that the right of the individual investigator in the selection of subject matter of research does not conflict with the stated goals of the University to have research that adequately reflects the scholarly interests of faculty, that right should be cherished and protected. Rights and responsibilities are inseparable, and the right to select subject matter of research brings to the individual investigators intellectual, academic, and moral responsibilities. Rather than negative and censorial, any action taken by the University related to the subject matter of research should be positive and constructive in character, such as the identification of areas of research which should be encouraged at the University, and the adoption of positive measures to foster such research. | |
| 2.41.01.120 | Methods of Research and Dissemination of Results; Acceptance of Sponsored Research |
| The following principles deal with methods of research and the freedom to disseminate results, and not to subject matter. | |
| 2.41.01.130 | |
| University-based research ideally involves students. The further removed that research is from learning and training opportunities for students, whether because of sponsor-imposed restrictions or because of other reasons, the less desirable is that research for the University. | |
| 2.41.01.140 | |
| Open dissemination of research results is a cornerstone of academic integrity. There are certain circumstances, however, in which WSU faculty have the opportunity to participate in research that limits or abrogates the right to free and open disclosure. This includes restricted, proprietary and classified research. Examples of the former two categories include some forms of industry-sponsored research, in which industries that lack sufficient research and development staff to carry out restricted or proprietary research rely on university faculty to undertake this research. Additionally, some governmental agencies seek the expertise of university faculty to participate in classified research related to national security. Classified research places additional restrictions which require dedicated facilities not available at Wayne State University. | |
| 2.41.01.141 | |
| On a case-by-case basis, Wayne State University will consider accepting research contracts or agreements for restricted or proprietary research if the proposed work can be accommodated without compromising the University's pursuit of its academic mission, if the academic value of the research can be justified by the Principal Investigator (PI), and provided that the proposed restrictions do not cause the University or the PI to violate any state or federal regulations that might be implicated as a result of the restrictions. To request a waiver to undertake restricted or proprietary research, a PI should refer to the University's research policy on restricted and proprietary research. | |
| 2.41.01.142 | |
| WSU PI's with grants or contracts under review by the University that would restrict or prohibit the freedom to publish or otherwise disseminate the research results beyond a 90-day review period, may request a waiver from the Vice President for Research that would allow acceptance of the relevant grant or contract, acting in accordance with the University's research policy on restricted and proprietary research. | |
| 2.41.01.150 | |
| In all research programs accepted by the University, respect for the dignity of human beings and the humane treatment of research animals must be assured. | |
| 2.41.01.160 | |
| The source of sponsorship and the purpose of the research must be of such a nature that they can be publicly disclosed and must be a matter of public record. The public record should include an abstract that clearly delineates the purposes and nature of the sponsored research in terms understandable to the informed layman. | |
| 2.41.01.170 | |
| In considering the appropriateness of Wayne State University's accepting a grant or contract from a governmental, private, or philanthropic source, the sponsoring agency should not be a deciding factor. | |
| 2.41.01.180 | The Role of Consulting by Faculty Members 1 |
| One of the primary functions of the University is the dissemination of the knowledge of its faculty members. The University should, therefore, encourage the practice of faculty members consulting in the areas of their competence. It should also be recognized that such activity results in such additional benefits to the University as the broadening of the faculty members' range of experience and an increased understanding of each other by the University and the community. The resources of the University can thus be brought to bear more effectively on the problems of the larger society. | |
| 2.41.01.190 | |
| The University should not place arbitrary restrictions on consulting activities if they do not interfere with the performance of a faculty member's other University responsibilities. It should be assured that: | |
| 2.41.01.200 | |
| "¢ such activity is not in serious conflict with the quality of the faculty member's other scholarly activities such as teaching, research, and individual consultation with students. The Commission recommends that faculty not average more than one day a week in consulting activities while classes are in session. | |
| 2.41.01.210 | |
| "¢ University resources are not utilized in such activities to an extent exceeding that which would normally be made available to the general public. | |
| 2.41.01.220 | |
| "¢ the faculty member does not explicitly or implicitly suggest that he/she represents the University or any unit of the University without authorization to do so. | |
| 2.41.01.230 | |
| "¢ the University is made fully aware of the nature and extent of the faculty member's outside activity by reporting such activity to the University through his/her immediate academic superior. | |
| 2.41.01.240 | |
| "¢ such activity does not give rise to situations involving a conflict of interest between consulting activities and the University or agencies sponsoring research at the University. |