The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of Partnered Research: Revisiting the Sequestration Thesis and the Role of Universities in Promoting Social Justice

Abstract

As universities increasingly rely on external sources of research funding, researchers worldwide are realizing that if their work is financially supported by organizations with distinct political or financial interests, they risk their careers if their results deviate from the interests of their funding partners. This article presents a case that illustrates how ugly this situation can become. Reviewing the literature on the advantages and dangers of partnered research, the historical role of universities, funding trends, and university mission statements, the authors contend that universities must engage in service learning and participatory action research, but must ensure that faculty members engaging in academic activity with partners—whether industry, hospitals, governments, nongovernmental organizations, or communities—have their professional integrity protected. If doubt exists about whether the partner can or will honor these principles or the mission of universities for social good, universities should avoid granting joint or affiliate appointments or accepting funds or favors of any kind. Universities also need formal structures to ensure ethical application of innovation and principled partnership engagement. In becoming servants of government or corporatism, universities have become less vital to society and are failing in their mission to promote social justice and sustainability. Strong measures are needed to restore public trust.