BRYN MAWR COLLEGE

Bryn Mawr College was founded by members of the Society of Friends, a pacifist religion. It has, however, functioned as a non-sectarian institution without formal religious affiliation. Therefore, the principles which should guide the acceptance of support for scholarly work should be those central to the mission of this College as an institution of higher education engaged in scholarly research, not those of this or any other religious group, although such principles may well dictate the decisions of individual members of the scholarly community.

Two primary questions need to be addressed: the position of the College in relation to the acceptance of funds from potentially restrictive governmental sources, in particular the military or the C.I.A., and the position of the College in relation to the development of links between the College and the industrial sector. With respect to the government, two problems exist: 1) the degree to which the College will or should assist in the development of the technology of war and 2) the degree to which research conducted under these auspices can meet the requirements of independent and open inquiry. Consideration of these problems has occurred with recognition that military appropriations have been an important source of research money since World War II, that both basic and applied research of great benefit to science and to society in peacetime have been supported by the military, and that university participation in military research has been of critical importance to this nation in times of war.

With respect to industry, again two problems exist: 1) the degree to which open and free communication of research is possible within the concern for proprietary information and patent rights in industry and 2) the possible conflict of interest for the investigator when research activity leads directly to commercial ventures. Links between the industrial community and colleges and universities are increasing. Industry has become an important source of money for research, particularly in science. In addition, some graduate and undergraduate students in science are being prepared for future work in industry and can profit from opportunities to work either in industrial settings or on industrial contracts while they are students. While Bryn Mawr's experience with industrial contracts is not extensive, other colleges and universities have experienced considerable difficulty with industry. In addition to restriction of the right to publish findings, industry may restrict the freedom of investigators to request other funding, might demand the withdrawal of investigators from other funded projects, and could seek to constrain future research activity of investigators they have funded. Investigators who proceed to develop commercial activities from their college or university research may encounter difficulty in maintaining a separation between their role and responsibilities at the college or university and the demands of their developing business.

The following policy is informed by these general principles:

1. that the College continues to support the involvement of faculty in activities within and outside of the College which, in the eyes of the College, are of benefit to the College and to society;
2. that the primary responsibility of all faculty is to the College, and each should undertake to prevent the emergence of any situation which will present a conflict of interest or commitment; and
3. that open and free inquiry in scholarly research must be protected at all times.
4. The College administration reserves to the faculty the judgment of scholarly merit of any research proposal.
5. Research undertaken by Bryn Mawr faculty will meet all appropriate legal, professional, and ethical standards.

1. Approval of Research Support: Acceptance of support for research activity shall be only with the approval of the President.
2. Disclosure: Both the source of money and the content of the contract or proposal shall be completely disclosed to the Provost and President and upon their administrative request, to the faculty of the College.
3. Freedom to Publish: No restrictions shall be placed on the right of the investigator(s) to publish freely the results of the investigation. This shall include any restrictions on attendance at a professional meeting where such papers are presented. In the case of industrial contracts, the investigators may agree to delay publication for a maximum of 60 days. While copies of material intended for publication may be submitted to sponsors for their information at the time they are submitted for publication, no right of editing may be assigned to a sponsor.
4. Subsequent Restrictions: In the event that any subsequent restrictions on the right of publication occurs, the grant or contract shall be immediately terminated.
5. Restrictions on Research: No restrictions on other research activity of investigators shall be accepted as a condition of funding.
6. Patent Assignment: There shall be no automatic assignment of patent rights by faculty to outside sponsors.
7. Liability: The College will not be held liable for any loss sustained by a sponsor in the course of research affiliation with the College. Furthermore, the sponsor must agree to defend and indemnify the College in the event of any form of liability or claim arising from the sponsored research, except those arising from the College's negligence or willful acts.
8. Use of College Facilities: Except as provided by specific contracts or grants or other arrangements approved by the Provost and President or her designate, the facilities, personnel, and equipment of the College shall not be made available to interests outside the College.
9. Outside Activities: Continuing activities of faculty outside the College for reimbursement shall be disclosed to the Provost and the President prior to acceptance and must be approved by them. It is understood that such activities shall not detract significantly from the faculty member's ability to execute her/his responsibilities within the College.
10. Citation: It is the faculty member's responsibility to insure that appropriate citation of her/his affiliation with Bryn Mawr College is maintained in such commitments outside the College, with care taken to insure that disclosure of his/her College affiliation is appropriately maintained without implying that such other organizations have thereby either a formal or informal alliance with Bryn Mawr College.
11. Conflict of Interest: Faculty will take care, at all times, to avoid situations of conflict of interest. Examples of such situations are the purchase of equipment from companies in which the investigator has a commercial interest or the use of privileged information gained in the conduct of funded research for personal gain.
12. Use of the College's Name: The name of Bryn Mawr College shall not be used for commercial purposes.

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