Office of the Vice President for Research

VCU Task Force on Corporate-Sponsored Research

Dear Colleagues,

I am pleased to report that the University Task Force on Corporate-Sponsored Research, formed in response to the recent media interest in certain research agreements between the University and Philip Morris, held its first meeting today. Chaired by Vice President for Research, Dr. Frank Macrina, this Task Force will be meeting in the days and weeks ahead to continue the dialogue on the nature of the relationships that the University should have with corporate sponsors of research going forward. The members of the Task Force are identified below.

I have asked Dr. Macrina to create a website for the Task Force so members of the University and Health System Communities will be able to follow its progress. I also have asked the Task Force to schedule a town-hall-type meeting on each campus of the University at which any member of the faculty or staff of the University or the Health System will have an opportunity to express his or her respective personal and professional views on this topic. I encourage all who are interested in this issue to communicate with Dr. Macrina or any member of the Task Force.

I am grateful for the service of each member of the Task Force as the University continues the dialogue on this very important issue.

Best regards.

Sincerely,

Eugene P. Trani
President, Virginia Commonwealth University
June 10, 2008