We're calling for clearer standards and ethical guidelines

Paul Cottrell, AUT

Figures showed 12.3% of research grants and contracts now came from the private sector, the AUT said.

The union was particularly critical of the controversial decision by Nottingham University to accept a �3.8m donation from British American Tobacco.

It said a commission was needed to ensure universities did not cut ethical corners.

The head of the watchdog would be rather like the outgoing Commons anti-sleaze investigator Elizabeth Filkin, the AUT suggested.

Independent research

Acting general secretary, Paul Cottrell, said the union was keen to encourage collaboration between universities and industry but wanted to protect the independence of academic research.

"We're calling for clearer standards and ethical guidelines to ensure that, when universities take money from industry to do research, they're not tied down to produce research just to suit industry, but are also able to preserve their academic independence."

Mr Cottrell denied such a watchdog could mean universities received less cash.

"It may affect some sponsorship, but there are plenty of companies out there that are keen to sponsor research and also to protect the academic integrity of the universities," he said.

Philip Dalling, head of public affairs at the University of Nottingham, said the university had no regrets about accepting BAT funding and stressed there were "no strings attached".

Partnership between universities and industry was very important, he said.

"The UK needs a vibrant research sector and that can really only be provided by the universities.

"So there needs to be partnership between the government, the universities and the individual researchers plus the business and commercial world," said Mr Dalling.