Risks in University-Industry Research Links and the Implications for University Management

Abstract

While university-industry research links produce important benefits for both partners, there are possible risks about which university management needs to be aware and take protective action. Five case studies point to some types of problems that can be encountered, particularly relating to the release of research information critical of a sponsor or product, ethical issues about informing patients and others of the adverse effects of particular pharmaceutical drugs, conflict of interest and confidentiality problems for researchers, sponsor pressure on research appointments, and possible consequences of fractured relationships between sponsors and researchers.