Legislation sponsored by Senator Robert Singer that would expand certain grant opportunities for individuals employed at state colleges and universities was approved by the State Government, Wagering, Tourism and Historic Preservation Senate Committee.
“Prohibiting intelligent researchers from obtaining state grants stifles innovation and slows the integration of technology into New Jersey industries,” said Singer (R-30). “By fostering a broader approach, we can create more opportunities for researchers with licensed and owned technologies to accelerate scientific and economic advances throughout the state. This legislation would enable certain researchers employed at our public colleges and universities to obtain state grants issued by the Commission of Science, Innovation and Technology.”
The New Jersey Commission on Science, Innovation and Technology was established in 1985 with the purpose of supporting economic development in New Jersey through scientific and technological advances.
Under current law, employees and officers at state colleges and universities are banned from receiving state grants from the Commission on Science, Innovation and Technology, considering it a conflict of interest. Instead, the commission supports entities formed at institutions of higher education that conduct research and development in emerging technologies deemed beneficial for the state’s economy.
Senator Singer’s bill, S-3402, amends New Jersey’s conflict of interest law to permit researchers, their partners, companies or firms in which they have ownership or control, to receive grant funding for various scientific and technological projects.
“Grant programs provide a significant source of capital that supports valuable initiatives led by scientists and researchers,” Singer added. “This bill removes unnecessary restrictions for state college and university employees who own licensed technologies to expand opportunities for technological advancement in New Jersey.”