The ability of investigators to share research materials is an integral part of successful collaborations. Contractually, institutions facilitate such sharing via the completion of material transfer agreements (MTAs), which memorialize the rights and restrictions of each party and allow the signing institutions to ensure that transfers are in compliance with standing legal obligations. Unfortunately, the completion of a MTA can be hindered in instances when instructions for completing such agreements are confusing, necessary information relating to the transfer is not provided, or the terms of the agreement itself are unfamiliar, inapplicable, or aggressive, requiring review and negotiation by the parties.
In an effort to alleviate some of these issues and facilitate easier sharing of research materials, Emory OTT has developed a new outgoing MTA template for use when Emory investigators wish to provide their materials to collaborators at other academic institutions. This new MTA was designed with simplicity and efficiency in mind. The substantive language of the agreement is pulled in whole from the Uniform Biological Material Transfer Agreement (UBMTA) promulgated by the National Institutes of Health, which is widely accepted by academic institutions. The agreement also contains clear, organized sections for the investigators and institutions to insert needed information related to the material transfer and provide signatures. Finally, on the first page, the agreement provides specific, easy-to-read instructions on how to complete.
In addition to providing simplicity and efficiency, the new MTA also contains built-in flexibility to cater to unique collaborative needs. Specifically, it contains additional terms that can be selected to apply to particular situations, such as when an investigator wishes to provide human-derived tissue samples or non-biological materials. Finally, it contains a space where additional unique terms may be drafted upon request of the investigator to fit a particular situation.
You can find this new MTA on the Emory OTT website at http://www.ott.emory.edu/forms/index.html, and can contact us at mta [at] emory [dot] edu if you have any questions. Please stay tuned for more updates as we continually work to provide the best possible service!