Informal v. Formal Collaborations and Contracts

Informal Collaborations: Many faculty engage in informal collaborations, which are relationships and activities where there is no formal agreement, compensation, contract, or time commitment. In most circumstances, the following collaborations would not require a formal review by the Research Security Program: 

• Scholarly activities as defined by University policy. 
• Collaborative fundamental research for the sole purpose of co-authorship, for which there is no support (financial or in-kind) from an entity other than UCSF. 

Formal Collaborations: The following collaborations will require involvement at some level by the Research Security Program or other offices:

• Signing a contract or agreement
• Transferring or receiving data or materials
• Signing anything related to Intellectual Property (IP)
• Accepting an appointment or becoming an employee
• Running a lab
• Engaging in research for which there is financial or in-kind support, compensation, or a specified time commitment

Personal Contracts: You may be considering signing an agreement with a foreign entity in your personal capacity. UCSF highly recommends that you send any such agreements to your Department leadership and, potentially, your own legal counsel for review. Department leadership should review your agreement to ensure it does not conflict with UCSF policies for conflicts of commitment or conflict of interest. The UCSF Office of Technology Management and Advancement external site (opens in a new window) can also facilitate a discussion about intellectual property. 

University Contracts: Please be aware that only persons with designated signature authority are permitted to sign any agreements on behalf of the University. If your international collaboration will involve a contract or agreement between the international entity (institution, university, company, etc.) and UCSF, please review the UCSF International Affiliations Overview and Resources external site (opens in a new window) webpage and reach out to the appropriate University office.