Research isn't part of war machine.

Byline: GUEST VIEWPOINT By Richard Linton For The Register-Guard

The issue of research at American universities that is funded by the U.S. Department of Defense remains a point of contention, as illustrated by Brian Bogart's June 22 guest viewpoint.

As is the usual case with other U.S. research universities, the University of Oregon routinely submits proposals and accepts U.S. Department of Defense grants for nonclassified research. Research results are subject to peer review and are publicly disseminated through scholarly publication.

This nonclassified research at the university has been accomplished in fields ranging from civilian emergency preparedness to `green chemistry,' where researchers seek to minimize the impact of environmental hazards. As a matter of general policy, the UO does not allow classified research to be conducted at its facilities by university faculty, staff or students, irrespective of the funding source.

A specific example of nonclassified research currently seeking support from the U.S. Department of Defense is that associated with the Oregon Nanoscience and Microtechnologies Institute. ONAMI is a collaboration involving the UO, Portland State University, Oregon State University, the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, the state of Oregon and private industry. It is focused on researching and commercializing nanoscience and microtechnologies to foster the creation of new products, companies and jobs in Oregon and throughout the Pacific Northwest.

The Department of Defense funds will accelerate the university's research on developing environmentally friendly nanotechnology and associated manufacturing processes and on the advancement of approaches to fabricate and measure materials properties at the nanometer scale. The science of manipulating the smallest units of matter promises to revolutionize many technological applications, from electronics to biomedicine.

Another example would be the work for which the university receives funds from the U.S. Army's Telemedicine and Advanced Technology Research Center in support of the Brain, Biology and Machine Initiative. The BBMI integrates the university's internationally recognized strengths in cognitive neuroscience, molecular biology and brain imaging technologies to investigate fundamental processes of the human brain and mind. The research dollars are employed to study learning, memory and behavior, both in normal functions and in associated brain disorders. Possible applications include developing clinical methods to treat post-traumatic stress disorders, to offset brain injuries, and to improve the effectiveness of educational systems through science-based knowledge about brain development and learning.

Innovative research that seeks to improve society's knowledge base and welfare is a key ingredient of the UO's mission. Conducting such research in an open and ethical atmosphere is equally important. Indeed, the university recently created an Office for the Responsible Conduct of Research to help maintain a high level of academic and scientific integrity in the pursuit of its research mission.

Certainly every emergent technology has the potential for abuse, misuse, undesired consequences or applications that are controversial. However, it is especially noteworthy that the UO's work not only focuses on scientific innovation that will provide positive benefits to society, but is especially devoted to advancing discoveries that promote `green' science and technology.

Richard Linton is vice president for research and graduate studies at the University of Oregon.