B1.3. Case Study - Industrially-sponsored research and conflict of interests

Dr. Mitchell Conrad has received a grant from an industrial source to do basic research that has long-term implications for commercialization. A new graduate student, Michelle Lawless has just joined his lab following the completion of one semester of graduate coursework. Dr. Conrad outlines several projects that can be pursued by Michelle under this industrially-sponsored research program. Dr. Conrad indicates that there is a proviso listed in the industrial grant agreement which says that all material to be submitted for publication first be reviewed by the company. This review must always be completed within 120 days. Dr. Conrad points out that this presents an only minimal disruption to the normal publication process as compared to the unrestricted publication of material gathered under federal research grants. He also mentions that the positive aspects of working on this proposal include the fact that there is money in the grant for Michelle to travel to at least two meetings per year. Also, the grant application provides money for a personal computer that will be placed at Michelle's lab station while she is working on the project. Dr. Conrad emphasizes that working on the project will likely give Michelle an "inside track" with the company should she want to pursue job possibilities there following graduation. Michelle agrees to work on the project.

Questions: 

Comment on the ethical and conflict of interest implications of this scenario.