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More must be done to understand how academic researchers involved in agricultural biotechnology are affected by a growing number of relationships with industry partners, concludes a new report, "University-Industry Relationships: Framing the Issues for Academic Research in Agricultural Biotechnology," authored by Portland State University professor Dave Ervin and released last month by the Pew Initiative on Food and Biotechnology.

"The historic roles of universities, industry and government in shaping U.S. agricultural research and technology development appear to be significantly changing," said Ervin. "However, little information exists to understand how the changes are influencing agricultural biotechnology, and the implications for consumers, farmers, industry, and the environment."

The report identifies the issues surrounding universities and academic scientists' relationships with industry as well as the unique role universities have in developing valuable technologies with little commercial promise. The report also outlines the need for information regarding influences on their research agendas, intellectual property rights and technology innovations involved. Research for the project was funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. More information is available at www.agri-biotech.pdx.edu.