Research Contracts and Grants, Materials Transfer Agreements, Confidentiality Agreements and Technology Transfer Agreements

Winfred M. Phillips, Vice President/Dean

The authority to execute and process research contracts and grants, materials transfer agreements, confidentiality or proprietary information agreements (for University of Florida technologies), and technology transfer agreements, are delegated responsibilities of the Office of the Vice President for Research. Because of the importance of these agreements, it is worthwhile to review the University’s policies in this area. Authority to Execute Agreements:

Any agreement which purports to bind the University of Florida or the University of Florida Research Foundation, Inc. (UFRF) is valid only when signed by a person with appropriately delegated authority, in writing, from the President of the University or from the Board of Directors of UFRF. An employee without such authority who signs such an agreement is not doing so as an employee of the University and thereby is personally liable for obligations or consequences arising from the agreement and may be subject to disciplinary action by the University.

The authority to approve and sign research contracts and grants on behalf of the University has been delegated to the Vice President for Research, the Director of Research, and the Associate Director of Research. UFRF research contracts and grants may be approved and signed by the UFRF President or the Director of Sponsored Research.

The authority to approve materials transfer agreements (MTA’s) on behalf of the University of Florida has been delegated to the Vice President for Research, the Director of Research, and the Associate Director of Research. MTA’s are entered into by UFRF only under extraordinary circumstances and may be executed only by the UFRF President or Director of Sponsored Research.

The authority to approve confidentiality or proprietary information agreements concerning University of Florida technologies or other intellectual property on behalf of the University of Florida has been delegated to the Vice President for Research, the Director of Research, the Associate Director and Assistant Directors of Technology Licensing, and the Technology Managers. Such agreements on behalf of UFRF may be entered into by the UFRF President and the Director of Research.

The authority to approve technology transfer agreements (licenses, assignments, etc.) on behalf of the University of Florida has been delegated to the Vice President for Research and the Director of Research. Such agreements on behalf of UFRF may be entered into only by the UFRF President and the Director of Sponsored Research.

Processing:

Faculty or other employees receiving a proposed agreement falling within any of the above categories should forward it to the Office of the Vice President for Research at 223 Grinter Hall for further processing.

Questions regarding this memorandum should be directed to the Office of the Vice President for Research.

Best regards.