The document authored by Ross McKinney, Jr., MD details the scope, structure, and challenges of corporate research at Duke University, as presented in March 2015. Using data from 2011, it highlights Duke's leading role among U.S. universities, with $215 million in corporate research, nearly double that of the next largest institution, MIT. The total research budget at Duke approached $1 billion, with approximately 75% of corporate research managed by the Duke Clinical Research Institute (DCRI), an academic contract research organization predominately focused on clinical trials. The DCRI, employing around 1,100 staff and 200 part-time faculty, is valued for its experienced personnel and independent perspective, yet operates within a complex landscape balancing academic standards and corporate interests.
The presentation identifies several challenges and ethical considerations inherent to corporate-sponsored research, such as institutional conflicts of interest, rights of publication and intellectual property, and the dual roles faculty may play as both principal investigators and independent consultants. Safeguards are discussed, including requirements for transparency, limitations on financial involvement, and mechanisms for oversight to ensure research aligns with Duke's mission and maintains integrity, especially regarding bias and protection of human subjects. Ultimately, while the university encourages faculty collaboration with industry, it enforces strict reporting and operational boundaries to mitigate risks associated with corporate partnerships.
