Working with Monash Contracts Management Office
MIME recently spoke with Sean Meehan, Director of Monash Contracts Management Office which provides a rapid response service for the development and review of research related agreements, making it easier for partners to engage with Monash and for Monash staff to begin project delivery, while assisting MIME progress novel research.
Can you tell us a bit about your role as Director of Monash Contracts Management Office?
In my role, I manage the day-to-day operations of our office ensuring we provide a service that fulfils our objectives and meets the needs of our users in accordance with our standard procedures and university requirements. As it is important that our services and performance standards align with the expectations of our users, I routinely meet with key users during the year to discuss their experience and identify what improvements to our operations could be made.
What is your background?
I have a Bachelor of Science (Honours) from Monash University and a Master of Business Administration from Deakin University.
Prior to joining Monash 10 years ago, I worked at the Australian Stem Cell Centre for four years in business development and operations management and at a US biotech company for 14 years in product development, marketing, and business development roles focusing on stem cell research.
Why are you passionate about contracts management?
I like to think we play a small, but important, part in the process of enabling the University to engage with collaborators to further develop our technologies and translate our research to benefit our communities. In particular, it is satisfying when we are involved in getting a Confidentiality Agreement in place to facilitate early-stage discussions, then to follow up with a Research Services Agreement for a project that leads to a beneficial relationship.
What is Monash Contracts Management Office’s purpose?
Our fundamental role is to provide a fast turnaround service for the development and review of specific research related contracts. These contract types include confidentiality agreements (or non-disclosure agreements), material transfer agreements, research service agreements and consultancy agreements. We aim to provide a draft agreement or review an agreement within two business days of receiving a request.
We operate closely with the Office of the General Counsel and will refer requests to that office if we cannot assist directly.
Why is Contracts Management important?
The fast turnaround service that we provide enables Monash staff to enter into discussions or provide consultancy or research services as quickly as possible whilst ensuring that our interests and requirements are met (e.g. intellectual property, confidentiality, appropriate use of materials).
When and how should research teams engage with Monash Contracts Management Office?
Typically, the first step in identifying a collaborative opportunity is to enter into discussions to identify common interests and to develop a project scope. Prior to these discussions, thought should be given if Monash confidential information is likely to be disclosed. If this may be the case, then our office should be contacted to prepare a Confidentiality Agreement in advance of the planned discussion.
How does MIME and Monash Contracts Management Office work together?
We have assisted MIME in the past with the development and negotiation of confidentiality agreements. To achieve this outcome, our office will communicate with the MIME lead to understand the intent of the discussion, what information we will disclose and any other relevant information. Once these details are collected, we will provide a draft agreement within 1-2 business days.
Sound helpful? Get in touch with the Monash Contracts Management Office HERE