Historically, most research facilities have been planned and funded by universities. In committing to a major new research facility, a university takes nearly all of the risks. It plans the building, raises the capital, and then assembles the facility. Universities Costs are Similar to Those of Other Research Performers . Universities Must, and Do, Comply with Myriad Necessary Requirements Imposed by Law and Regulation .
Universities take their obligations to science and to society seriously.
These include protection for human and animal research subjects, hazardous waste storage and disposal, occupational safety and health, and others. Compliance with these requirements imposes costs on university facilities and administration that have increased in recent years. Universities are committed to upholding their ethical, societal, and legal obligations. However, there may be ways in which the administration of statutory and regulatory requirements can be accomplished more efficiently, at a lower cost to the taxpayer.