Appropriate Operation and Management of Public Research Funds
ICU's Basic Policies for Appropriate Operation and Management of Public Research Funds
1 November 2007
President, International Christian University
It goes without saying that the public research funds received through open calls for application, such as those from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, are valuable funds provided by taxpayers and the responsibility for managing such funds lies with the research institution. Additionally, it is unquestionable that it is the obligation of those responsible at such institutions to eliminate causes that lead to improper use of funds and to build an environment and systems that serve to deter improper use of funds.
In order to fulfill these responsibilities and obligations, ICU has determined the below response. According to this, in matters regarding the operation and management of public research funds, the president is named as the position of ultimate responsibility and the vice president for academic affairs is responsible for coordinating management. The response makes clear the structure of responsibility and establishes a system for coordinating the overall organization.
Even leading up to this point, ICU has proactively made efforts in the area of public research funds (particularly with regard to research grants, which are the most widely recognized form of such funding), including efforts to clarify rules on administrative procedures, clarify the administrative authority of educational and general staff, and increasing the awareness of all parties working with such funding. In August of this year, ICU established the new Research Support Group office, which serves as a focal point for groups and individuals within and outside the university for matters regarding use of public research funds and administrative procedures. It also plans to establish the Committee for the Prevention of Fraudulent Activities (provisional name) as a body directly answerable to the president and which acts to promote activities that prevent misconduct in the use of public research funds (see note 1).
After this point, the president is to display leadership, aim for the appropriate operation and management of public research funds, eliminate causes that lead to improper use of funds, and build an environment and systems that serve to deter improper use of funds.
ICU will determine and urgently put in place various more effective regulations and make these known to parties within and outside the university via its website (see note 2).
*1 - ICU Committee for the Prevention of Fraudulent Activities was established on 22 September 2011. Research Support Group was renamed as Center for Research Planning and Support on 1 April 2016.
*2 - "Regulations Governing the Prevention of Fraudulent Activities in the University Research" was established on 1 January 2009.