The University of California Regents today (Sept. 20) adopted a new policy that establishes special review and approval procedures for research proposals involving funds from tobacco companies or affiliated agencies.

The regents passed RE-89 by a 14-4 vote.

Specifically, the new policy has a combination of features including:

* Establishing scientific peer review by committee and approval from UC chancellors for any research proposals seeking funds from tobacco-affiliated companies. The scientific review committee will be drawn from a community of scholars, which will work with campus chancellors in helping to determine whether to approve a proposal. Additionally, regents will be provided with timely notice of the relevant grants and a description of the research to be undertaken.
* Requiring an annual report to regents on proposals and research involving or seeking funds from tobacco-affiliated companies. The report will summarize the number of proposals submitted to the scientific review committee, the number approved and the number funded, along with a description or abstract of each proposal.
* Developing a statement to UC researchers that among other things, upholds academic freedom, expresses concern about the tobacco industry and asks researchers to exercise professional and ethical care.

Previously, individual researchers could accept funding from any source as long as the funds complied with applicable university (conflict of interest, publication, etc.) policies.

At the end of fiscal year 2006-07, UC researchers held 23 active grants, totaling $16 million, from sponsors with known ties to the tobacco industry. All of this funding, which supports research and related activities on the Berkeley, Davis, Irvine, Los Angeles, Riverside, Santa Barbara and San Diego campuses, is from Philip Morris USA.

The policy will apply only to awards made in response to new proposals submitted after the policy becomes effective. Awards active as of the effective date of the policy will be allowed to continue. Funds awarded to proposals submitted prior to the effective date of the new policy will also be allowed.

The University of California is the research arm of the state of California. Research at UC's 10 campuses and three national laboratories is conducted at more than 800 research centers, institutes, laboratories and programs, in fields spanning the disciplines.

Click here to read the Regents’ item and background on RE-89.

Click here to read the Academic Senate resolution on RE-89.