F&L: When it comes to the individual research collaborations between Bayer and the universities, do scientific standards apply without exception, for example that science determines the research question and research design?
Carl Friedrich Nising: Research collaborations are always concluded at eye level. We have no influence on decision-making or research design at the university. Appropriate contracts are drawn up, objectives are defined in the contracts and budgets are discussed, but how the research is ultimately carried out is up to the university. And when it comes to publications: Of course we receive the publication in advance for review. But we don’t take out or modify results. Finally, with such collaborations, there is also the question of whether, for example, patents should be submitted in advance. Then the time of publication is considered together or the publication takes place after the patent application. This is standard in every collaboration.
F&L: Who is the inventor on the patent?
Carl Friedrich Nising: This is not the subject of the collaboration agreement, but a question of patent law. Only someone who has made an inventive contribution can be an inventor. The commercial exploitation of the intellectual property is then the responsibility of the contracting parties.
“The criticism of the industrial promotions was not unjustified.”
F&L: The so-called industrial promotion has hit the headlines in recent years. Scientific standards were not always and everywhere respected by companies. How is Bayer doing?
Carl Friedrich Nising: The criticism of the so-called industrial promotions was not unjustified. For Bayer, it is clear that the topic of the doctorate is set by the university and not by Bayer. Interested parties who bring a topic from the university with them can apply to Bayer. Both the specification of the topic and the subsequent assessment are carried out by the university. If we carry out industrial promotions, these are also published, which means that we do not prevent publications within the framework of confidentiality. If the topic is so important to us that we don’t want to or can’t publish it – i.e. if there are very high confidentiality requirements – then this means that such a promotion cannot be carried out.
F&L: The cooperation between science and industry also includes endowed professorships. According to a press report, Bayer is refraining from new endowment chairs, “that only leads to new discussions.” Why is Bayer no longer funding endowed chairs in the future?
Carl Friedrich Nising: We, at Bayer AG, are aware that the subject of endowed professorships is a very controversial and critical subject, since there has always been criticism of endowed professorships as a possible influence. Everyone involved, science and industry, would do well to take the criticism seriously, because these issues are likely to undermine trust in the independence of research and teaching. Bayer has supported the establishment of several endowed chairs in the past, but the number has now been significantly reduced. Bayer is currently supporting an endowed chair at the Charité Berlin, this is published on the Stifterverband website.
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