We agree on need for Montana university research grant oversight: Audits of INSA uncovered no violations

A recent Missoulian editorial (Jan. 25) "Following the money: Support Schweitzer’s push for more research grant oversight" http://missoulian.com/articles/2009/01/29/opinion/opinion21.txt urged support of the governor’s call for more “research grant oversight.”

During an earlier meeting, the governor had asked why required reports on university requests for congressional grants had not appeared as scheduled. The editorial covered the issues quite well, but some comment may help provide a full perspective.

Both universities conduct research and graduate education programs otherwise impossible without external funding amounting to more than $170 million each year, more than the general funds appropriated annually by the state to support the Montana University System’s educational programs. The vast majority of these external grants wins approval through the standard peer review process, attesting to the competitiveness of Montana researchers. In fact, no public or private research university in the country can support its research and graduate education programs without the assistance of external contracts and grants. Further, those research and graduate education programs explain the competitiveness of the United States in terms of scientific developments leading to new products, systems and technology.

By: George M. Dennison, President of the University of Montana.

Full Commentary: http://missoulian.com/articles/2009/01/28/opinion/guest/guest93.txt

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Montana Governor Schweitzer says Montana University research grants need more oversight – The Inland Northwest Space Alliance http://matr.net/article-32474.html