I have two issues I would like to query the group about.

The first is a question about your policy for the disposition of equipment
 acquired under extramural grants.  An investigator at our institution is
 suggesting and has drafted an Investigator's Bill of Rights.  One of the points
 read "Investigators may not have equipment and supplies which are purchased
 through external grants or contracts taken away from them as long as they
 remain employed by the Foundation. In general, investigators may take these
 equipment and supply items with them if they transfer to another non-profit
 research institution."  Of course, I see real problems with this as a policy.
 No matter what rights an institution may decide to waive in regard to retention
 of equipment, there are instances where the institution may not have a choice
 (e.g., the government agency requests the equipment back).  I would, however,
 be interested to hear about your policy on the disposition of equipment.  Are
 there any instances where you would assign the investigator the ri!
 ghts to a piece of equipment?  Do you allow investigators to keep the equipment
 in their laboratory if it could serve a better purpose elsewhere?  Would you
 ever consider allowing an investigator to take a piece of equipment with them
 (unless, of course, the granting agency transfers the grant and requires it) if
 they leave your institution?  If you have a written policy you are willing to
 share, I have included my fax number below.

The second issue has to do with management structures in basic science
 laboratories.  As we are currently structured, each laboratory has a senior
 scientist who is expected to not only be a full-time researcher but handle the
 administrative/management tasks (hiring, conducting performance appraisals,
 dealing with space issues, etc.) as well.  Few if any of these senior scientist
 have any management training.  Is this situation similar to yours?  I'd be
 interested in hearing from both university as well as non-university based
 organizations. Thanks in advance for your time in responding.

Diane Austin, CRA
Marshfield Clinic
Division of Research
1000 N. Oak Avenue
Marshfield, WI 54449
Phone:  715-387-9134
Fax:  715-389-3131
Email:  xxxxxx@mfldclin.edu