Research contract relationship between a large industry partner and South African universities.

We propose and evaluate a contractual structuring instrument (in the form of a Framework Research Agreement) in support of research collaboration partnerships between universities and large industry, specifically for the case of large industry in the South African context. This study includes one large South African originated industry (as the pioneer of concluding Framework Research Agreements with several universities) and multiple South African universities, and stretches over several decades. This study was done within the broader context of the challenges and benefits experienced by both industry and university in the academic engagement sphere of industry–university collaboration. By providing insight from both industry and university perspectives, factors impacting on academic engagement (with specific emphasis on the legislative framework, contractual aspects, institutional research contract practices and institutional risks), are considered and discussed. Recommendations are made for improved industry–university collaboration by sharing experiences from the industry and universities on challenges faced, managing the expectations and proposing mechanisms to support constructive research collaboration through a mutually beneficial contractual framework instrument.Significance:• A novel Framework Research Agreement as a contractual instrument was developed and pioneered by the industry partner with several South African universities, to create a transparent framework based on fair contracting and determinable remuneration principles.• This study specifically highlights the need for a contractual instrument, in which the intention is to build a long-term contractual relationship to support industry–university collaboration and academic engagement within the existing South African legislative framework.• It further draws attention to research contract management practices and contractual aspects, which until now have been largely ignored in industry–university collaboration and academic engagement frameworks of this kind

Research contract relationship between a large industry partner and South African universities

We propose and evaluate a contractual structuring instrument (in the form of a Framework Research Agreement) in support of research collaboration partnerships between universities and large industry, specifically for the case of large industry in the South African context. This study includes one large South African originated industry (as the pioneer of concluding Framework Research Agreements with several universities) and multiple South African universities, and stretches over several decades. This study was done within the broader context of the challenges and benefits experienced by both industry and university in the academic engagement sphere of industry–university collaboration. By providing insight from both industry and university perspectives, factors impacting on academic engagement (with specific emphasis on the legislative framework, contractual aspects, institutional research contract practices and institutional risks), are considered and discussed. Recommendations are made for improved industry–university collaboration by sharing experiences from the industry and universities on challenges faced, managing the expectations and proposing mechanisms to support constructive research collaboration through a mutually beneficial contractual framework instrument. Significance: A novel Framework Research Agreement as a contractual instrument was developed and pioneered by the industry partner with several South African universities, to create a transparent framework based on fair contracting and determinable remuneration principles. This study specifically highlights the need for a contractual instrument, in which the intention is to build a long-term contractual relationship to support industry–university collaboration and academic engagement within the existing South African legislative framework. It further draws attention to research contract management practices and contractual aspects, which until now have been largely ignored in industry–university collaboration and academic engagement frameworks of this kind

Intrathecal Humoral Immunity to Encephalitic RNA Viruses

The nervous system is the target for acute encephalitic viral infections, as well as a reservoir for persisting viruses. Intrathecal antibody (Ab) synthesis is well documented in humans afflicted by infections associated with neurological complications, as well as the demyelinating disease, multiple sclerosis. This review focuses on the origin, recruitment, maintenance, and biological relevance of Ab-secreting cells (ASC) found in the central nervous system (CNS) following experimental neurotropic RNA virus infections. We will summarize evidence for a highly dynamic, evolving humoral response characterized by temporal alterations in B cell subsets, proliferation, and differentiation. Overall local Ab plays a beneficial role via complement-independent control of virus replication, although cross or self-reactive Ab to CNS antigens may contribute to immune-mediated pathogenesis during some infections. Importantly, protective Ab exert anti-viral activity not only by direct neutralization, but also by binding to cell surface-expressed viral glycoproteins. Ab engagement of viral glycoproteins blocks budding and mediates intracellular signaling leading to restored homeostatic and innate functions. The sustained Ab production by local ASC, as well as chemokines and cytokines associated with ASC recruitment and retention, are highlighted as critical components of immune control

Proceedings of the 4th World Conference on Research Integrity

CITATION: O’Brien, S. P., et al. 2016. Proceedings of the 4th World Conference on Research Integrity. Research Integrity and Peer Review, 1:9, doi:10.1186/s41073-016-0012-9.The original publication is available at https://researchintegrityjournal.biomedcentral.comThese Proceedings contain the abstracts of the presentations given at the 4th World Conference in concurrent sessions, partner symposia, and poster sessions. Also included are summaries of the discussions in three focus tracks, which allowed delegates to consider and work on questions about the roles of funders, institutions, and countries in improving research systems and strengthening research integrity. Videos of the plenary presentations are available at the conference website (www.wcri2015.org).https://researchintegrityjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s41073-016-0012-