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A committee formed by Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability Dean Arun Majumdar and Vice Provost and Dean of Research David Studdert to review the activities of the school’s industrial affiliates programs has completed its work. The committee assessed these activities in light of rules and requirements for industrial affiliates programs in university policies. The review was conducted in response to students calling for the university to address engagement with fossil fuel companies.

Industrial affiliates programs provide a mechanism through which groups of faculty and students can interact with groups of member companies and their representatives. Unlike sponsored research, which requires a specific statement of work and deliverables, industrial affiliates programs are flexible, independent, and more open-ended. Member companies provide funding toward a broad field of interest and share real-world challenges that could be addressed through research.

The Industrial Affiliates Review Committee (IARC) report concludes that the school’s programs largely adhere to university rules, supporting engagement of faculty members and students, and preserving academic freedom in research pursuits. At the same time, the report outlines several opportunities for improvement, including annual in-person meetings with directors to discuss the goals and nuances of program policies, and modification of the “unnecessarily complex” reporting process.

“The corporate folks are not setting the direction for these programs,” said report committee member Brooke Groves-Anderson, director of University Corporate and Foundation Relations, who has worked with industrial affiliates programs across Stanford for the past two decades. “We heard from affiliates program directors that they’re doing the research they want to do, and as part of these programs they’re connecting with the companies that are interested in this space.”

The IARC, established in February 2024, was tasked with two objectives: to assess the extent to which industrial affiliates programs within the school are conforming to university policies, and to recommend improvements in the governance of these programs. The committee members reviewed affiliates' programs only within the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability – not those associated with other Stanford schools and institutes –and worked independently fromthe university-wide Committee on Funding for Energy Research and Education (CFERE) formed in 2023.

The IARC included Ann Arvin, professor emerita and former Vice Provost and Dean of Research; Lynn Orr, professor emeritus; Chester Naramore Dean Emeritus at School Earth Sciences; Groves-Anderson; among others.

Committee members interviewed directors from 18 industrial affiliate'sprograms; five out six graduate students who together wrote letter editor "Stanford Daily" recommending criteria assessing research funding through affiliate'sprograms; associate vice provost Office Technology Licensing reporting Vice Provost Dean Research staff members Industrial Contracts Office Stanford Doerr School Sustainability.

According report most industrial affiliate'sprograms largely adhered university requirements Areas improvement include uniform compliance rule requiring at least two faculty engaging multiple companies several vacancies left only one engaging member Lack clarity identified issue example one website referred advisory board governing even though didn’t function oversight decision-making authority Groves-Anderson said

“Given concerns about transparency undue influence careful delineation role advisory board allows suggestions but not control should stated clearly IAP website” reads

committee reported funds commonly used support graduate postdoctoral researchers Since funding sponsored typically does last completion PhD often fill gaps However most students within times unaware behind-scenes effort required assemble supports them states continues able learn sources request wish

“In view fact there such interest all now kind good time review whole operating process” Orr said

members also noted need better communication about meetings “should announced so community aware them open” reads found although overseen Industrial Contracts addition respective unit neither have sole responsibility

suggests annual renewal simplified shifting web-based fragmented data entry system streamlined approach thereby improving transparency efficiency

“Dean Studdert requested formation promote ensure adherence guidelines essential factors knew would elicit insights improve make even more effective succeeded endeavor deeply grateful participated review”

Many discussed value flexible allows needed rather waiting long periods proposal states

“Industrial provide unique important opportunities particularly terms collaboration professional development play key role mission create knowledge foster solutions collaboration partners worldwide”

“I applaud careful recommendations moving forward Establishing best practices compliance reducing unnecessary administrative burdens top priorities enterprise helpful both fronts inform university-wide currently underway”

Orr directed decade starting mid-1980s good way support maintain lab equipment pursue early stage yet ready federal support

“It allow investigate idea might seem little too crazy proposal flexibility real value”

most recent outcome series campus-wide conversations activities relating funding fossil fuel since named dean 2022 October after six published letter calling enforce existing policies responded pledge follow-through formed committed making information easily available website Since financial fiscal years 2022 (9/1/21-8/31/22) 2023 (9/1/22-8/31/23), descriptions projects funded posted created webpage lists selection stories supported followed up each received feedback plans resolve outstanding issues end fall quarter Following CFERE released June commissioned broader campus-wide began summer led Bruce Clemens Maureen McNichols Marriner S Eccles Professor Accounting Public Private Management Graduate Business News insights events delivered inbox weekday morning ©CopyrightStanford University California 94305

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