The obsolescence of university research facilities is addressed in this 1985 conference report. Seven of the major topics were potential action items for Congress and federal agencies, including approaches to facilities funding, such as acceleration of indirect cost recovery, provision of credit support, and federal funding of a national facility program. Other items concern the process for decision-making about federally-funded facilities, and changes in tax incentives for private sector support for modernization of academic research facilities. Possible actions for the states and colleges are also identified. Included are an opening statement by National Science Board Chairman Roland Schmitt and statements of working groups on: grants and gifts, alternative funding sources, partnerships, college policies and practices, the state role, and comprehensive merit review for facilities. Background documents are also provided: the text of a bill, "University Research Facilities Revitalization Act of 1985" (H.R. 2823), a paper on tax-exempt financing by David Clapp, a proposal concerning college construction loan insurance, and a paper on explicit rent charges by Robert Sproull. (SW)