What is a research contract? 

Research contracts are legally binding agreements that govern the research activity that the University undertakes with funders, collaborators and partners. Almost all research funding requires there be some form of agreement or offer letter that is signed between the research and funder. Most organisations that will collaborate with the University will also require a partnership agreement to be put in place that guarantees conditions such as contract amounts, IP and responsibilities. 

The University sees these agreements as vital in recording the rights and obligations of the parties in relation to the research to be undertaken. They allow individuals and organisations to understand and manage their respective responsibilities, opportunities and risks. 

Grant agreements 

A grant agreement will outline the expectations that the funder has for project partners and the terms and conditions attached to the funding. It is important that you are aware of the content of the agreement before signing and keep this agreement in mind when working on the project. Any breaches of this agreement during the project could lead to funding being withheld or even clawed back by the funder.  

Partnership/Collaboration agreements 

Partnership or collaboration agreements are usually required for projects which involve at least one other external party to the university. If an element of an award is to be allocated to an external third party (whether this be a company, charity, government body or an HEI) please ensure that an agreement is in place. Collaboration agreements can include (but are not limited to) project responsibilities, intellectual property and reporting deadlines. To create an agreement please contact RIFS.

To receive a templated partnership agreement please contact the RIFS team. These contracts can be tweaked and changed as required depending on the partner’s needs.