INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH IN EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS' Survey made during the past year by the Association of Consulting Chemists end Chemical Engineers, Inc., 50 East 41st St, New York, Ν . Υ., of re search facilities in educational institutions and conditions governing their use.
AsTHEamount of work involved in making a survey of this kind would be prohibitive if each educational insti· tution were approached, the method adopted was to select a list of institutions, representative of the country as a whole, and seek the desired information from them. Thus, the list included various sized state universities, land-grant colleges, and privately endowed institutions, geo graphically distributed from East to West and North to South. Thé total number polled was 94.. Equal care was exercised in preparing the questionnaire, both as to content and form· The object was to make the questions dear and direct so as to avoid misunderstanding or confusion and, wherever possible, in a form that would require the minimum effort to answer. Even so, a considerable amount of work necessarily was involved in furnishing the data. The questionnaire was sent out in the fall of 1939. It is gratifying that of the 94 institutions approached, 76 responded, (approximately 81 per cent). Although not all the replies were complete, neatly all showed a whole-hearted endeavor to cooperate. The repliés indicated in striking fashion that the subject was interesting to the institutions, and a number asked that the answers be made available to them. The association is indebted to all who replied. It is believed that the facts brought out in this report justify the effort The extent of outside or industrial work carried on in educational institutions is shown by the replies received to this question—84 per cent were affirmative. The percentage of replies was very nearly the same for tax-supported institutions as for endowed institutions, when these two groups are considered separately. Likewise, there was no appreciable difference between the two groups in the percentage engaging in outside work. Some of the 16 per cent replying in the negative were located where there is normally little demand for outside work, and they so stated in their replies. Thus 84 per cent is to be regarded as a minimum figure for the proportion of educational institutions where outside or industrial work of some kind is conducted. The 1 Preprints of this report may be procured, free of charge, from too Association of Consulting Chemists and Chemical Engineers, Inc.. 50 East 41st St., New York. Ν. Υ.
actual percentage no doubt is higher. The institution where such work is not carried on is the exception, rather than the rule. As to the departments involved, the replies showed that the practice is prevalent in all the departments listed—chemistry, pharmacology, physics, chemical engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and civil engineering. Chemistry and electrical engineering were mentioned most frequently, but if chemistry and chemical engineering are merged outside work of a chemical nature is more common than any other. Outside work is carried on in three principal ways: by members of the staff as individuals (76 per cent of those replying report this practice); by the institution as such (22 per cent); by a subsidiary research institute or foundation, engineering experiment station, state laboratory, etc. (26 per cent). Thesefiguresdo not indicate the comparative volume of work, but show only the percentages of those institutions replying in which each of the practices enumerated prevails· Considering the scale on which organised industrial research of this character is conducted, the figures fail to give an adequate picture of how this work bulks against the practice of members of the staff as individuals. The following quotation from an article by A. A. Potter*, dean of engineering, Purdue University, throws some light on this subject: The engineering colleges in the "landgrant" group, which represents about one third of the engineering colleges of this country and nearly one half of the engineering student enrollment of this country, had available during the year 1939-40 a total of $1,802,263 for engineering research, which was being carried on by 251 full-time and 450 part-time workers, in addition to 383 teachers who were devoting time to research without extra compensation. 8962,267 of the funds exoended tor engineering research at the land-grant institutions during 1938-40 came from industry. The land-grant colleges have not, as a rule, been the most active in organised industrial research. It is interesting to compare the above figures, for example, with the corresponding ones for Mellon • Science, 91, No. 2349, 1-7 (Jan. 5, 1940).
847
Institute: total expenditures, $1,181,639; number on staff, 273. Institutional Activities In those institutions where outside investigations are done, there is no uniformity as to who is charged with the responsibility for making necessary arrangements. Over 38 per cent leave it to the head of the department involved; 22 per cent, to the head of the research division; 20 per cent, to an advisory board or the president; and 18 per cent leave it to the individuals at their own discretion. In these institutions 76 per cent of the individuals engaged in work outside of teaching receive extra compensation. The basis for such compensation varies, but each of the following is reported in a substantial number of cases—per diem or hourly basis, fixed salary, fellowship, scholarship, and fixed fee. The fixed fee and per diem basis are the most common. Several stated that outside work of this nature makes it possible for staff members to increase their income, but the reason generally advanced was that such work broadens the outlook of the staff through contacts with industries. Replying to the specific question as to whether fees take into account fixed charges on space and equipment used, 45 per cent reported in the negative. The same percentage replied that reasonably prompt publication of the résults is not required. Staff Activities Where outside work is carried on by members of the staff as individuals, more than 42 per cent reported that the type of work undertaken is not subject to regulation or supervision by the institution. In over 25 per cent of the institutions, there is no regulation or supervision of the amount of work staff members may undertake and in 73 percent, no controloverthe compensation received. Thirty-two per cent of the institutions share m the compensation received by staff members, whereas 68 per cent do not. Half of the institutions make a charge for space and equipment used by staff members in carrying on their outside work, but only 19 per cent require reasonably prompt publication of the results of such works.
848
NEWS Formulation of Policy
Repliés to the questionnaire indicate that a majority of the educational institutions have not formulated a policy with respect to outside research activities. The following tabulation shows how the replies to this question are classified: % No definite policy formulated 50 No definite policy formulated, hut policy being considered 8 No formal policy, but attitude or practice stated in answer to questionnaire 23 Definite policy formulated 18
A number of typical comments received in connection with this part of the questionnaire are worth quoting: "In general, the university encourages the outside activities of its technological staff. Only by such activities can that direct contact with current practice be maintained, which is so necessary to retain the confidence and respect of the student." "It is the general university policy to permit members of the teaching staff to undertake outside work, provided it does not interfere with university duties" "I am sure that a considerable amount of such work is done in that gratuitous advice is always being passed along. The college is making a tentative study of such relationships with a view to adopting a general policy, and it would be greatly appreciated if a copy of your findings were furnished us." "The establishment of the *** institute with larger increased staff and facilities may necessitate a clearer definition of university policy. We should be pleased to learn of the results of your study, also to have your personal opinion as to how this matter can be handled with fairness to the individual, the institution, and the practicing profession." "Like many land-aunt institutions *** the departments undertake investigations and the examination of samples falling within their respective fields. No department is permitted to make a charge lor any work done for citizens of the State." "It is true that we are doing a certain amount of routine testing in out laboratories where such testing is demanded by citisens of the State or in connection with matters where laboratory facilities in this part of the country are inadequate. In general, we are very much opposed to routine testing and do not care to undertake any laboratory work for industries or individuals unless such investigations lead to the creation of new knowledge." Several institutions state that inquiries are "for the most part referred to commercial laboratories". A number stress that they undertake only projects requiring facilities not available through commercial laboratories. Some institutions, particularly state universities and land-grant colleges, seem to fed political considérations and the
EDITION
maintenance of public good will require that they undertake work they are reluctant to do. Apparently they would welcome the development of a general policy enabling them to avoid work of this nature. Summery of Established Policies The following section gives an analysis of the replies from those institutions which have formulated a definite policy with respect to outside work. Although the number is limited, the agreement on the fundamentals of policy is remarkable. The only feasible method of analysing the replies is to list those points which are most often mentioned. In this manner, a composite reply which covers all points of importance is reached. Even the most comprehensive reply submitted does not cover every point, but the list is indicative of the trend and, it is believed, the general attitude of this small but important group of institutions is faithfully reflected. In discussing these policies, it is convenient to distinguish between the private consulting activities of faculty members, acting in their individual capacity, and cooperative research, involving joint activities of the state or industry with the institution directly or through a subsidiary research organisation. A.
Activities of Staff Members as Individuals
Approval for Private Work. Approval must be obtained in advance from the head of the department, the dean, or a special committee, and in some cases the president. Nature of Work. The work must be professional in character. It must not interfere with teaching duties, in the opinion of the department head and dean. It should be of such character as to increase the value of the individual to the institution. It must not involve the institution in unwholesome controversy or unfavorable publicity. It must not subject other professional men to unfair competition. Work of aroutinenature is discouraged in some institutions and prohibited in others. Arrangements for Work. Arrangements are made by the individual faculty member, subject to limitations imposed by the institution. Solicitation of work by faculty members is prohibited. The faculty member undertaking such work must be a licensed engineer, if the laws of the state so require. The client must be informed that the institution is in no way a party to the contract. The institution's name must not be used on letterheads or reports. The name of the institution or of the
Vol. 18, No. 19 faculty member must not be used in advertising. Some institutions impose limitations on profits resulting from inventions or discoveries made in connection with such activities. At least one prohibits any profit from this source. Fees and Charges. Fees must be at least equal to those charged by consultants of equal standing engaged in private practice. The work to be done, the conditions, and all facilities involved must be approved by the department head and dean in advance. Time of others involved and their compensation must also be approved in advance. The faculty members responsible for the work are assessed a sum to cover fixed charges for space and equipment and an additional sum based on the net fee involved. This may be 10 per cent or more of the net fee. In some cases, such money is used to assist infinancingpure research projects in the institution. Publication and Patents. Reasonably prompt publication of the results is required, but limited restrictions on publication may be permitted where sufficient justification is shown. A number of institutions impose regulations with regard to patents. Some require assignment of patents to the institution or to a special corporation. Others require that each specific case shall be referred to a designated administrative authority or committee for decision· Ρ
Cooperative Research
The data submitted with respect to co operative research is much less complete than that on activities of individuals. Owing to the variety in scope and character of such projects, hard and fast rules are considered undesirable. In general, much the same conditions and limitations apply as to private activities of faculty members. Since cooperative projects are usually of greater magnitude than problems under taken by individuals, formal contracts setting forth terms and conditions are more common. These cover the facilities to be furnished, the number of personnel, amount of their time involved, and finan cial contribution to be made. The dean's approval of this contract is usually re quired. General Comments Some replies brought up the question of machinery for making effective the stated policy of the institution. One, for ex ample, stated that a policy has not been formulated because enforcement is deemed "impracticable". This question does not seem to bother those schools that have a definite policy, although there is nothing in the data submitted to show how effectively these policies are followed in practice. 8ome administrative machinery is un doubtedly necessary. One statement pro vides that the president of the institution
October 10, 1940 •hall make appropriate arrangement* for the administration of the policy. Some others go into more detail and delegate administrative authority to the dean, department heads, or various committees. None of the institutions that have set up a definite policy mention any difficulty in administering it, and most of them appear to have devised fairly simple means. Realising the importance of industrial research now being conducted in and by educational institutions, the association believes a clearly defined policy on the part of these institutions towards such activities is desirable. Furthermore, the association commends the composite framework of policy which emerges from the statements submitted by those institutions which have established definite regulations governing this matter. The salient points are covered and dealt with in a manner that appears fair to the various interests involved. Answers to the questionnaire reveal a wide gap between the general practice followed in most institutions and the ideal policies formulated by a few. Anyone wishing to make such a comparison may do so by rereading the earlier part of this report in conjunction with the Summary of Established Policies. Only about half of those replying take account of fixed chargée on space or equipment in computing fees or require reasonably prompt publication of results, and less than half supervise outside work undertaken by members of the staff in any manner whatever. A number of institutions stated that they disapprove of routine work but fail to say what provision has been made for deciding what is considered routine work and what is not It is clear from the repliés that some institutions use this term so loosely that it might mean anything. The situation is much the same in regard to a number of institutions which made the statement that outside work is undertaken only when adequate facilities do not exist elsewhere or "in the vicinity". Investigation may be required to determine what facilities are available, and unless some definite administrative authority is charged with making such an investigation, it may not be made and the absence of other facilities taken for granted. A few replies indicate that research done in educational institutions is superior in quality to that done elsewhere. This is advanced as a reason why educational institutions should undertake outside work. Obviously, the replies to the questionnaire can throw no light on this subject, but since this thought seems to run through a certain number of replies it is simply noted here. Further inquiry would be neeessary to determine what factual basis, if any, there is for this idea. Tabulations of replies to the questionnaire, on which the present summary is based, are on file in the offices of the association, and are open to inspection by responsible parties. Details relating to any spécific institution cannot be fur-
NEWS
EDITION
nished, however, because all replies were received under a pledge that individual data would be held in confidence.
Placement of Cornell Graduates OF THE 148 members of the 1940 graduating class in the College of Engineering at Cornell University, 142, or 96 per cent, are known to have definite employment, according to a statement issued by the college's placement bureau as of September 14. Several have entered the graduate divisions of Cornell, Harvard, Johns Hopkins, and M. I. T., or have joined the faculties of Cornell or the Chrysler Institute, but most of them have positions in engineering or industry. Sixty different industrial concerns are listed as employers. Placement is 100 per cent for chemical and electrical engineers, 97.6 per cent for mechanical engineers, 95.4 per cent for administrative engineers in mechanical engineering, and 89.3 per cent for civil engineers. Of the six not known to be employed, three are civil engineers, two administrative engineers, and one is a mechanical engineer.
A . J. Nydick Appointed A . G C. L. Executive Secretary TΗΒ American Council of Commercial Laboratories has appointed A. J. Nydick executive secretary. The council, organised in 1937, is com posed of testing and research laboratories throughout the country. The A. C. C. L. serves as a clearinghouse for the dis semination of scientific and testing re search information and as a control board in the maintenance of high standard pro fessional ethics in testing and research.
Laboratory (or Standardization of Biological Stains Moves Γ
Ρ Η Β Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science has been selected as the new location for the research and control chemical laboratory of the Commission on the Standardisation of Biological Stains. This laboratory was formerly lo cated at the Arlington (Va.) Experimental Farm of the Bureau of Agricultural Chem istry and Engineering of the United States Department of Agriculture. Under the direction of Mrs. Anis P. Bradshaw, formerly of Arlington, Va., the laboratory will carry out the chemical analyses necessary for the certification of dyestuffe to be employed as biological stains for bacteria identification and for A
849 diagnostic determinations in the United States and in certain Pan-American coun tries. All of the dyestuffe employed for biological determinations are tested for dye content and identity. Another im portant phase of the work is improvement in existing products and the synthesis of new dyes for specific purposes. The commission is under the chairman ship of H. J. Conn, New York State Agri cultural Experimental Station, Geneva, X. Y.
Medicofilm Service of the Army Medical Library T^ms microfilm copying service has been established to make the extensive col lections of medical literature of this library available to research workers at a distance from Washington. Microfilm copies of research articles in the periodicals received by this library' are made at the flat rate of 30 cents for each complete article not ex ceeding 30 pages in length and 10 cents for each succeeding 10 pages or fraction thereof. A pamphlet describing the serv ice and giving the abbreviated titles of some 4000 medical and related peri odicals currently received by the Army Medical Library will be sent on request to Medicofilm Service, Army Medical Library, 7th Street and Independence Avenue, S. W.f Washington, D. C.
Civil Service Examinations for Engineers Τ Ν CONNECTION with the national defense program, the United States Civil Service Commission has announced an open competitive examination for junior engineers for government service. The examination covers all branches of engi neering except aeronautical, naval archi tecture, and marine engineering. The salary will be $2000 a year. Applications must be in the commis sion's Washington office not later than October 24 if received from states east of Colorado, and October 28 if received from Colorado and states westward. Appli cants must have completed a four-year engineering course at a recognised college. They will be rated on a written examina tion consisting of general and professional questions. The maximum age limit is 35 years, unless applicants are granted veteran preference. Full information and application forms may be obtained from the Secretary of the Board of U. S. Civil Service Examiners at any first- or second-class post offic*.. or from the United States Civil Service Com mission, Washington, D. C.
