The View of the Big Performers

Abstract

The Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) of The Johns Hopkins University serves as an illustrative example of a large laboratory sponsored by a military service—the U.S. Navy—that is owned and operated by a major research university. After an examination of how APL functions within Johns Hopkins, the positive side of the relationship is examined. It is found primarily in the combination of national service and research and teaching collaboration with the University's academic divisions. The primary negatives are public controversy and the risks and burdens of the University's obligation. The position of The Johns Hopkins University has been and remains that classified research is not necessarily inconsistent with the purposes of the University and that a major public service is legitimately rendered by the contributions to national defense made by APL to the Navy, within limits set by the University.