Section 5B-2C-4 - Powers and duties of the council of the academy of science and technology(a) The council may seek and accept public and private research grants and contracts, matching funds and procurement arrangements from the state and federal government, private industry and other agencies, in furtherance of and consistent with its mission and programs: Provided, That members of the council may not violate the West Virginia ethics act, pursuant to the provisions of chapter six-b of this code.(b) The council may, through the West Virginia development office, receive and accept gifts or grants from private foundations, corporations, individuals, devises and bequests or from other lawful sources. All moneys collected shall be deposited in a special account in the state treasury to be known as the "West Virginia academy of science and technology fund". Expenditures from the fund shall be made by the West Virginia development office on the request of the council for the purposes set forth in this article and are not authorized from collections but are to be made only in accordance with appropriation by the Legislature and in accordance with the provisions of article three, chapter twelve of this code and upon fulfillment of the provisions of article two, chapter five-a of this code: Provided, That for the fiscal year ending the thirtieth day of June, two thousand four, expenditures are authorized from collections rather than pursuant to appropriation by the Legislature.(c) The council may select and appoint fellows of the council pursuant to the provision of section five of this article.(d) The council may make recommendations to the governor, the speaker of the House of Delegates, the president of the Senate and the joint commission on economic development concerning strategic and specific policies to foster research and development within this state.(e) The council may recommend legislation to facilitate improved coordination between state agencies, educational institutions, industries and research laboratories.(f) The council may develop and produce written or electronic information to assist researchers in educational institutions or private enterprise in identifying, applying for and obtaining grants, stipends or other financial support for research, development, technology transfer or commercialization of intellectual property.(g) The council may convene public meetings to gather information or receive public comments regarding the administration and coordination of research and development efforts within this state.(h) The council may, through the West Virginia development office, enter into contracts or joint venture agreements with federal and state agencies, corporations, partnerships and other organizations that conduct research, make grants, improve educational programs and work for the scientific, educational or economic development of this state. The director of the West Virginia development office and the council must, by majority vote, approve all contracts and joint venture agreements.(i) The council may enter into contractual agreements for consideration with entities that are funded from sources other than the state: Provided, That members of the council may not violate the West Virginia ethics act pursuant to the provisions of chapter six-b of this code.(j) Members of the academy may be appointed to serve on boards of directors of any contracting private nonprofit corporation, foundation or firm: Provided, That members of the council may not violate the West Virginia ethics act pursuant to the provisions of chapter six-b of this code.