Should Universities Avoid the Fossil-fuel Millions?

Five hundred 'distinguished academics' (is there any other kind?) have signed a letter, urging universities not to accept funding from fossil fuel companies to conduct climate research (https://www.theguardian.com/science/2022/mar/21/universities-must-reject-fossil-fuel-cash-for-climate-research-say-academics). The letter states that such funding should be rejected, even if it is aimed at developing 'green' and low carbon technologies. The academics note that funding from these sources would represent an inherent conflict of interest. It could also be used by the gas/oil/coal lobbies to 'greenwash' themselves. The letter points to parallels with the Tobacco Industry. Tobacco funded University research on cancer and other issues in the 1960-1980 period. The results appear to have been used in the Tobacco Industry's disinformation campaigns. These seem to have been designed to delay legislation against their 'product' and its advertising. The signatories clearly feel that something similar is likely with fossil fuel company largesse (and there's plenty of it) being directed to universities. Their concerns appear realistic but alternative means of funding research on the developing 'green' and low carbon technologies need to be expanded. All research costs money!