Retorts

CRIs Defended

W.C. Clark [Retorts, April 1993] seems to be implying that accepting fees for work compromises the value and honesty of that work. I wonder how accountants, lawyers, doctors, etc would respond to that claim?

He produces no evidence that CRIs are charged "more with profit than with truth". In that one phrase the Emeritus Professor has seriously misrepresented the Government's express ownership interest in CRIs (as laid out in their Act) and also impugned the integrity of each and every scientist working in the CRIs.

The CRIs are not returning their profits to the Government. The money is being retained in the CRIs -- many of which are reporting hiring more new staff than they have done for years.

The CRIs are about providing a more stable environment for science at a time when Government funding is stretched to the maximum. After only 12 months it seems that has already started to happen.

Times change, W.C. Clark, but scientists are not being asked to compromise their honesty and integrity within the new system.

Simon Upton, Minister for Crown Research Institutes