Research Contracts - Typical Features

Typical features of a research contract include the following:

• Defined scope of work/research plan
• Start and end date of project are defined
• Payment may be tied to milestones/deliverables
• Contains provisions for confidentiality of information
• Researcher retains the right to publish, but may allow delay for sponsor review with respect to confidential information or intellectual property
• Background intellectual property and ownership are clearly defined
• Termination provisions are included
• Insurance and indemnification provisions are included to protect the University, researcher and students
• Warranty: Researcher will use reasonable professional standards but does not guarantee results.
• Postgraduate student owns copyright of thesis
• Governed by a properly executed legal Agreement signed by both parties.