Industry Engagement and Partnerships (IEP) is a division under Office of the Deputy President (Research and Technology). The IEP team reviews, drafts, negotiates and executes agreements governing research collaborations between our researchers and external organisations. By working closely with our researchers, legal and IP offices and many other units (both internal and external to NUS), we ensure that appropriate agreements are put in place and that rights of the University and our researchers are safeguarded.
Generally non-legally binding agreement for parties to formalise only the intent to collaborate on research, and there are no specific project details to be agreed.
For protection of the confidentiality of information/data exchanged for pre-project discussion/evaluation.
To govern collaborative research project, including terms relating to confidentiality, IP rights, publication, liabilities etc. Typically an RCA is required if:
If all of the above does not apply, and Collaborator's involvement in the project is minor – mainly providing consultation or advice restricted to short-term academic/scientific exchanges, and you can complete the project even if in the unlikely event that Collaborator does not participate in the project – an RCA is generally not required.
To govern contracted research project i.e. fee-for-research service, in which the contracting party, typically an industry partner, is funding all costs required to conduct the project and expects to own all IP and reports arising from the research.
To govern only the conduct of the clinical trial (not research study) of study drug or device on human subjects. Additional IRB and HSA approvals are usually required for the conduct of the clinical trial.
To amend an existing or original research-related agreement signed by the parties.
General legal advice, agreements that are non-research, academic or student-related, incoming data transfer, in-licensing of data/software/IP, provision of services (non-research), employment agreements etc. Contact Office of Legal Affairs (OLA) Client Portal
Agreements or advice that involve the procurement for research/non-research services/goods. Contact Central Procurement Office (CPO) at askcpo@nus.edu.sg
Agreements or advice that involve Intellectual Property (IP) matters, IP agreement, Materials Transfer, outgoing Data transfer, NUS IP licences. Contact NUS Enterprise - Technology Transfer and Innovation (TTI) at Contract-Admin@nus.edu.sg
Submission
Assignment
Review
Execution
If a draft agreement is available, please submit it together with the relevant supporting documents (e.g. grant letter of award, grant terms, IRB application and approvals) If no draft agreement is available, please fill up the IEP Checklist and Work Plan and submit it with the relevant documents. Email all submissions to IEP Admin.
IEP Admin will assign an officer to assist with the review.
The assigned officer will review and/or draft the agreement. Input will be sought from the PI or study team. Consultation with other units (e.g. TTI, OLA) will take place as necessary. The officer will commence negotiation with collaborator(s). For multi-partite and/or complex agreements, several rounds of the above may be required before the agreement is finalised (i.e. agreement terms have been agreed upon by all parties).
The officer will arrange for internal approval and signing of the agreement.
If answers to your queries cannot be found within the Self Help-FAQs, you may contact IEP-Admin at iep-admin@nus.edu.sg.
