Committee on Research Funding from Fossil Fuel Companies: Status Report

Feb. 10, 2025

The Committee on Research Funding from Fossil Fuel Companies was appointed by the University in June 2024. The following is a summary of activities between July and December 31, 2024:

• The Committee reviewed background information including news articles, Congressional reports, peer-reviewed scientific literature, and relevant Columbia University policies on research conflicts of interest and fossil fuel divestment.
• Following an introductory meeting in July, the Committee met eight times during the fall semester.
• Meetings included listening sessions with, among others, faculty knowledgeable of the issues, student advocacy groups, the Center for Global Energy Policy, and representatives from Stanford University and Princeton University who were involved with developing similar policies.
• The Committee issued a call for applications for two student liaisons. One undergraduate and one graduate student liaison were selected to help ensure that the full diversity of student views are brought to the Committee.
• The Committee fielded a feedback survey that remains open.  209 respondents have provided feedback to date. Of these, 32% self-identified as faculty; 27% as officers of research including postdocs; 26% as students; 8% as officers of administration; and 6% as “other affiliation.” The survey will remain open for the spring semester.

In Spring 2024, the Committee plans the following activities:

• Additional listening sessions
• Review and analysis of survey feedback
• Deliberation and development of recommendations

The Committee’s goal is to provide a report to the President of the University no later than Fall 2025.