Volume II, Issue 5 May, 2002	Research and Sponsored Programs

Good Will Hunting: A Warning About Scientific Collaboration Marketplaces On the Internet.

Currently, companies are attempting to open the door to your creative mind under the auspices of creating a new paradigm for scientific research and collaboration. This new approach to knowledge generation enables a third party company to submit a scientific problem for all would-be solution providers to solve. In reality, the companies are creating an Internet marketplace where they can anonymously seek help with scientific problems from the research community.

These companies are counting on solution providers to figure out how to solve problems, and more importantly, to submit that solution through the Internet. If the solution is good and it works, they promise to pay a solution fee up to the dollar amount indicated at the time the problem is posted to the web site.

Once submitted, whether your proposed solution is determined to be satisfactory or not, the host Internet company can use it, copy it, distribute it, create derivative works from it, and even assign it to others. By accepting financial compensation for the solution, regardless of the amount (which may not be the amount posted with the problem), an exclusive right to the solution is granted. This means that you, the person who solved the problem, cannot use your submitted solution for any use, including future research or further study. The company also requires complete confidentiality, so you will not be able to publish your work.

One point to keep in mind is that the Internet company arbitrarily determines the compensation for your problem-solving skills. It is not based on the added value your solution contributes to a product. It is not based on the value of your well-trained skills or time. They set a high-end value for the solution and, once you have submitted your proposal, you must accept without question whatever they deem appropriate compensation. And, the company also insists that you cooperate and "do all things necessary" for them to protect your work in their name without additional compensation.

If you are employed by the University and use University resources to create your solution, this could get sticky. University policy states that Indiana University owns intellectual property generated using University resources. Of course, the Internet company requires you to own the rights to any solution you submit. If you were to submit a solution that was owned by the University and it was accepted, you can imagine the legal battle that could ensue between the University and the Internet company.

A second point to keep in mind is that the Internet company asks problem-solvers to warrant and guarantee that the solution submitted does not in any way infringe or violate any existing patents, copyrights, trade secrets, or intellectual property rights of others. And, if your solution does infringe or in any way copy the protected works of others, you will be expected to cover any and all legal and other expenses incurred by the Internet company or anyone they have given permission to use the solution. Plus you must refund any money that you received for your idea.

So, how can you avoid some or all of these pitfalls?

• First and foremost, before you click an "Agree" button on the Internet be sure to read and understand any and all agreements related to that agree button. Treat those buttons the same as your legal signature on any document because that is how the law treats it.
• Second, know your obligations to the University. You may be allowed to submit only independent ideas developed outside of the University.

Check with ARTI - Office of Technology Transfer http://arti.indiana.edu/ott/. We will help you evaluate and develop the commercial potential of your ideas. If you ever have any questions regarding the submission or commercial potential of ideas contact us, we are here to help you succeed.

Authors Note: The concept of an exchange for scientific research is one that should be advanced and sought by all. The spirit of these exchanges is well intended, however, the Internet companies might need to reconsider some of their business and legal positions.

While this may be an ideal business model for companies seeking solutions, it is important to provide an environment that acknowledges the rights of the solution-providers, as well as equitable compensation for the value of the solution. This could be accomplished through a license and/or development agreements with the solution providers. Only through such an arrangement will there be a truly equitable exchange of scientific ideas.

U.S. Agricultural Research Service Begins Rollout of Community of Science Services

Since ARS has research locations in over 40 states, they have chosen to implement COS using a special committee of Area Liaisons, each of whom will be responsible for the participation within a given geographical region. ARS plans on using COS Expertise for a variety of functions, including the identification of potential collaborators, laboratory personnel, and peer reviewers. ARS is also very excited about the growing wealth of international participation in COS.

If you have any questions about IUPUI's participation in COS or on your individual Expertise Profile, contact Ann Kratz, Director, Sponsored Program Development, 278-0249, akratz@iupui.edu.

ERA Release 2a - Budget Module

Currently, the first release of the ERA Budget Module consists of the following highlights:

• Multiple Periods - Projects that require multiple periods can be created (e.g., a 5 year proposal).
• Multiple Tasks/Cores/Projects - Projects that require separate accountability of expenses can be created (e.g., on-campus and off-campus components).
• FIS connectivity - FIS is used to pull in personnel information such as name, chart, organizational code, and salary information.
• Help links, Glossary, and Search Tips - Resource documents can be linked to within the application for help with navigation and terminology.
• Searches - Several fields can be used to facilitate more efficient lookups. Most importantly, you can search for budget forms that you initiate.
• Templates - Once you create a budget in ERA, you can template it for modifications or submission to a different agency.

As the first phase of this module, there are certain pieces that will be added in later releases:

• Multiple Output Options - Currently, the system prints one output page that is a summary of all periods and all tasks. Multiple options such as printing different level of detail and different tasks/periods individually will be added soon.
• Hourly Salary Calculation - The personnel detail is based on a % effort structure currently. Hourly staff can be included, but their effort will need to be entered in the % format until this is modified.
• Graduate Student Fringe Benefits - ERA treats fringes only as percentages based on the most recent Important Notice at this time. Since fringe benefits for graduate students are a flat rate, the ability to treat these costs differently will be added to future releases.

Research and Sponsored Programs UN 618 General - 274-8285 Research Compliance - 274-8289 Sponsored Program Development - 278-0249

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