The university encourages faculty/academic staff members and students to engage in research, including that sponsored by such outside agencies as foundations, professional associations, government, and private industry, for it is only through continued and expanding research activity that the excellence of teaching programs can be maintained and improved, and the function of the University as a contributor to the storehouse of knowledge fulfilled. Important reciprocal benefits from sponsored research accrue to the university and to sponsoring agencies if the basic purposes and functions of each are duly respected.

Michigan State University Faculty Handbook