Cornell Refuses Grant For New Supercomputer

Cornell University refused a federal grant for a new supercomputer last week because it was not required to go through a competitive review process to receive the grant. Harvard officials yesterday praised Cornell's action, saying it will help maintain the quality of American scientific research.

Congress appropriated $10 million in federal funds for a private high-tech firm to build a supercomputer for Cornell's computer center.

But in an open letter to Congress, Cornell President Frank Rhodes said, "Cornell University will not accept funding awards which bypass the normal review procedure."

In most cases when a university's science department has requested federal money for a project, the proposal must undergo a review by experts in the field to determine whether the university is the most qualified to receive the grant.

The review process guarantees that the federal government supports only the highest standards of research, said Cornell spokesman David Stuart.

John Shattuck, Harvard Vice President for Government and Public Affairs, praised the act as "a very courageous and important statement by Cornell University for the need for a peer review process."

Rhodes's rejection of the grant has spurred a national controversy among university officials. "Frankly, for too long peer review has been a pipeline for the haves to continue to have and the have-nots to be shunted aside," said Charles Coffin, Northeastern director of government relations.

But others have rejected the allegations. "There's a very solid reason why some universities get the most money. They do the best work," said Jack Crowley, director of Federal Relations for Science Research.

"The peer review process is essential for the maintenance of excellent research," said Shattuck. "Harvard will refuse all money not received by the peer review process."