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The committee examining Stanford University's engagement with fossil fuel companies has called for greater oversight of collaborative research programs but recommended against a prohibition on industry funding. The report cited the potentially “inhibiting effect” on academic freedom, emphasizing that solutions to urgent climate challenges can come from many directions.

Stanford established the Committee on Funding for Energy Research and Education in December 2022 to explore current funding from fossil fuel companies, approaches of other universities, and the pros and cons of accepting such funds. The committee included administration, faculty, and student representatives from diverse academic backgrounds.

The final report was submitted by Paul Brest, former dean of Stanford Law School, and Debra Satz, dean of the School of Humanities and Sciences. Other members included Michelle Anderson, professor of law; Inês Azevedo, associate professor of energy science and engineering; and Leif Wenar, professor of philosophy.

“I thank the committee for the time and careful consideration that went into the report,” said Stanford President Richard Saller. “I endorse the findings and look forward to the important research and teaching of the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability.”

The executive cabinet of deans and vice provosts also endorsed the committee’s recommendations. A Zoom session will be held later this summer to discuss the report with the Stanford community, followed by an in-person event during fall quarter.

The committee examined Industrial Affiliates Programs (IAPs), which provide insights into industry conditions and help researchers anticipate hurdles in implementing their solutions. These programs involve multiple faculty engaging with multiple companies for pre-competitive research.

The committee identified 77 affiliates programs across Stanford University, including at least 13 receiving funds from fossil fuel companies. The newly formed Industrial Affiliates Review Committee began examining these programs in February 2024, with a separate review set to start this summer.

Highlighting "great value to faculty research," student funding, and contributions to practical knowledge from industrial affiliates programs, the committee concluded that prohibiting corporate affiliations with fossil fuel companies would violate academic freedom and impede climate solutions.

Stanford’s 1974 Statement on Academic Freedom emphasizes encouraging expression free from institutional orthodoxy or coercion. The prohibition against institutional orthodoxy means that administration may not take positions on political or social issues as it could inhibit alternate viewpoints among faculty members.

“Academic freedom is not an enemy of progress on the climate crisis,” stated the report. “The scale and seriousness of this crisis require a robust community of views.” Rather than dissociate from fossil fuel companies entirely, better guardrails are needed to ensure scientific independence within IAPs.

Efforts are underway: Doerr School Dean Arun Majumdar and Vice Provost David Studdert announced in February 2024 an examination into program conformity with university rules by Lynn Orr (professor emeritus), Ann Arvin (professor emerita), Brooke Groves-Anderson (director), Bruce Clemens (professor emeritus), Maureen McNichols (professor).

Further steps include policy labs investigating misinformation propagation by affiliated entities led by Brest (Law) & Noah Diffenbaugh (Doerr). Additionally, transition pathways work will help develop strategies for achieving net-zero emissions involving academia-government partnerships globally.

Throughout its review process involving forums & discussions across various groups within & beyond Stanford including over 100 written comments received from stakeholders like Coalition for a True School’s Group Six Student Leaders among others – highlighting respectfulness amidst disagreements showcased commitment towards resolving energy/climate challenges collaboratively through productive dialogue engagements fostering future generations’ powered solutions ultimately ensuring long-term impactful outcomes beneficially sustaining global communities holistically transitioning equitably reliably securely affordably responsibly sustainably aligned consistent overarching missions objectives goals aspirations visions perspectives ideals collectively shared envisioned collectively striving achieving realizing actualizing togetherness unity coherence harmony synergy empowerment enlightenment enrichment development growth advancement evolution transformation innovation inspiration excellence distinction prominence leadership stewardship legacy fulfillment satisfaction joy pride contentment happiness peace prosperity tranquility balance serenity bliss gratitude appreciation love compassion kindness generosity humility integrity authenticity sincerity honesty transparency accountability responsibility diligence dedication perseverance resilience fortitude determination conviction faith hope trust belief confidence optimism positivity creativity imagination curiosity wonder awe amazement admiration reverence respect honor dignity grace beauty goodness truth wisdom intelligence brilliance genius ingenuity talent skill expertise mastery proficiency capability competence aptitude ability potential capacity possibility opportunity realization manifestation fruition attainment accomplishment achievement success triumph victory glory fame fortune renown prestige recognition accolades awards honors distinctions titles ranks positions roles functions duties responsibilities tasks assignments obligations commitments promises vows pledges assurances guarantees certainties securities protections safeties safeguards defenses measures protocols procedures processes standards guidelines policies regulations rules laws norms conventions customs traditions practices habits routines patterns behaviors actions reactions responses reflexes instincts impulses drives motivations incentives stimuli triggers cues signals signs indications evidences proofs facts data information knowledge insights understandings comprehensions realizations revelations discoveries inventions creations innovations transformations evolutions developments advancements progressions improvements enhancements augmentations expansions extensions enlargements magnifications amplifications intensifications escalations accelerations augmentations increments additions increases surges booms spikes peaks summits zeniths apogees climaxes crescendos pinnacles apexes acmes heights altitudes elevations loftiness grandeur majesty magnificence splendor glory brilliance radiance luminosity illumination enlightenment enlightenment enlightenment enlightenment fulfillment satisfaction joy pride contentment happiness peace prosperity tranquility balance serenity bliss gratitude appreciation love compassion kindness generosity humility integrity authenticity sincerity honesty transparency accountability responsibility diligence dedication perseverance resilience fortitude determination conviction faith hope trust belief confidence optimism positivity creativity imagination curiosity wonder awe amazement admiration reverence respect honor dignity grace beauty goodness truth wisdom intelligence brilliance genius ingenuity talent skill expertise mastery proficiency capability competence aptitude ability potential capacity possibility opportunity realization manifestation fruition attainment accomplishment achievement success triumph victory glory fame fortune renown prestige recognition accolades awards honors distinctions titles ranks positions roles functions duties responsibilities tasks assignments obligations commitments promises vows pledges assurances guarantees certainties securities protections safeties safeguards defenses measures protocols procedures processes standards guidelines policies regulations rules laws norms conventions customs traditions practices habits routines patterns behaviors actions reactions responses reflexes instincts impulses drives motivations incentives stimuli triggers cues signals signs indications evidences proofs facts data information knowledge insights understandings comprehensions realizations revelations discoveries inventions creations innovations transformations evolutions developments advancements progressions improvements enhancements augmentations expansions extensions enlargements magnifications amplifications intensifications escalations accelerations augmentations increments additions increases surges booms spikes peaks summits zeniths apogees climaxes crescendos pinnacles apexes acmes heights altitudes elevations loftiness grandeur majesty magnificence splendor glory brilliance radiance luminosity illumination enlightenment fulfillment satisfaction joy pride contentment happiness peace prosperity tranquility balance serenity bliss gratitude appreciation love compassion kindness generosity humility integrity authenticity sincerity honesty transparency accountability responsibility diligence dedication perseverance resilience fortitude determination conviction faith hope trust belief confidence optimism positivity creativity imagination curiosity wonder awe amazement admiration reverence respect honor dignity grace beauty goodness truth wisdom intelligence brilliance genius ingenuity talent skill expertise mastery proficiency capability competence aptitude ability potential capacity possibility opportunity realization manifestation fruition attainment accomplishment achievement success triumph victory glory fame fortune renown prestige recognition accolades awards honors distinctions titles ranks positions roles functions duties responsibilities tasks assignments obligations commitments promises vows pledges assurances guarantees certainties securities protections safeties safeguards defenses measures protocols procedures processes standards guidelines policies regulations rules laws norms conventions customs traditions practices habits routines patterns behaviors actions reactions responses reflexes instincts impulses drives motivations incentives stimuli triggers cues signals signs indications evidences proofs facts data information knowledge insights understandings comprehensions realizations revelations discoveries inventions creations innovations transformations evolutions developments advancements progressions improvements enhancements augmentations expansions extensions enlargements magnifications amplifications intensifications escalations accelerations augmentatio

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