Honest but broke: The dilemma of universities acting as honest brokers

Universities and government research organizations (GROs) are increasingly being thrust into the role of an honest broker. They gather scientific data on technical, social and economic issues and present potential policies and courses of action to interested parties. However, they must remain unbiased at all times, whilst offering expertise in a wide range of subjects, especially in areas concerning controversial technologies. In this article we argue that today's science funding paradigms make universities and GROs increasingly vulnerable in their role as honest brokers in society. We exemplify our arguments with a descriptive case study surrounding Swiss nuclear energy research, which offers insights into past and current funding strategies. Dedicated funding strategies, such as funding professorships or technology platforms that allow honest brokers to safeguard their integrity and conduct research in controversial areas are presented and discussed.

► Society increasingly expects academic institutions to act as honest brokers. ► We argue that this role may be challenged by today's funding paradigms. ► Based on a case study we introduce funding strategies for honest brokers. ► Funding strategies include the funding of professorships and technology platforms.