For Researchers
The following are frequently asked questions about industry sponsored research and technology commercialization at Clemson. For more information on the sponsored research process, please visit the Office of Sponsored Programs or contact us to discuss opportunities.
Categories
Industry Sponsored Projects
Research-Related Activities
Intellectual Property Policy & Disclosure Process
Industry Sponsored Projects
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Where should I submit my industry sponsored project proposal?
All industry sponsored project proposals should be submitted through your college’s Office of Sponsored Programs Support Center (OSP-SC). Your OSP-SC will process any proposals for private industry sponsors to the Office of Industry Contracts, which will work with the sponsor to develop an appropriate research agreement.
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Does the Office of Industry Contracts (OIC) manage federally funded research grants?
No, the OIC does not manage research grants made by U.S. federal agencies (e.g., National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health, Department of Defense, Department of Energy, etc.). If the prime award is federal, contact your college’s Office of Sponsored Programs Support Center. Also, note that gifts to the University, whether they be restricted or unrestricted, are not considered sponsored research projects and are not processed through the OIC. Corporate gifts to the university are handled through the Corporate and Foundation Relations Office.
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What is the difference between a proposal narrative and the statement of work that is incorporated into the research contract?
Preliminary proposals to sponsors, particularly industry sponsors, usually describe the problem and goals sufficiently but lack specificity in describing the tasks to be performed, the details expected in reports, and a measurable timeline for completing tasks and providing deliverables. Proposals usually include a list of cited references and researcher resumes, which may not be necessary for the contract statement of work. Contract disputes often occur when there is ambiguity in the research agreement and the expectations of the parties are not adequately captured in the statement of work. To avoid potential disputes, it is important for the investigator to be specific in defining tasks, deliverables, and any timelines expected by the sponsor in the statement of work for the research contract. To assist researchers in defining the statement of work for the contract, the Office of Industry Contracts has Guidelines for Drafting Statement of Work and a template outline on the Forms and Templates section.
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How long does the process take from proposal submission until I can start working on the project?
The length of time from the submission of a proposal to notification of the award varies. The entire process for establishing a new industry sponsored research project based in the U.S. — from the day you submit your proposal until the day when you can begin work — typically requires approximately 60 days. Clemson has developed standard agreement terms in an effort to streamline and expedite contract negotiations. The process can be shorter if a sponsor accepts Clemson’s standard agreement. If a project is unusually complex (due to multiple sponsors, complex intellectual property terms, etc.) or the sponsor wants to negotiate changes to Clemson’s standard agreement or use its own form agreement, the process can take longer. In these cases, several months of negotiations may be required before work can begin.
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Will I be able to publish the results of my industry sponsored project?
A primary responsibility of an institution of higher education is the development, cultivation and dissemination of new knowledge resulting from its research programs, and in accordance with said responsibility, any persons engaged by Clemson University in the performance of a research project will have the right to present or publish the results of the project. However, the University acknowledges the need for a sponsor to preserve intellectual property rights and protect its proprietary information. Clemson University can allow a limited period of time for industry sponsors to preview publications and presentations of the research results to ensure that the sponsor’s pre-existing confidential information is not being divulged and to protect any patentable inventions. Make sure you always read and understand the terms and conditions of your industry sponsored project award.
Research-Related Activities
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What other types of research-related industry agreements are managed through the Office of Industry Contracts (OIC)?
The OIC can assist you with establishing a Confidentiality/Non-Disclosure Agreement, an Equipment Loan Agreement, an Equipment Use Agreement, a Services Agreement, or a Sponsored Student Project Agreement. To request any of these agreements, submit an Agreement Request Form.
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When might an “Other Agreement” type be needed?
Conducting research may involve the sharing of confidential information, equipment, materials, or data with individuals outside of Clemson University and other external organizations. To protect your interests as an investigator and those of the University, a different agreement other than the types listed above might be needed depending on the circumstances. If you have questions about whether an “Other Agreement” type might be needed, contact the Office of Industry Contracts at cuic@clemson.edu or 864-656-3989.
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What is a Confidentiality/Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) and when is it needed?
An NDA is an agreement designed to protect confidential information that Clemson University personnel and an external party wish to share with one another for the purpose designated in the agreement. If the parties are only sharing information that is already published or available, then an NDA is not required, and the parties can engage in non-confidential discussions. This type of agreement should not be utilized to perform services for another party (Services Agreement), nor should it be utilized when transferring materials with another party (Material Transfer Agreement).
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What is an Equipment Loan Agreement and when is it needed?
An Equipment Loan Agreement permits another party to loan or lend a piece of equipment (including hardware and software) to the University to use in its research, teaching, and public service roles and missions, all at no cost or expense to the University, for a specific period of time. If the University must pay to use the equipment, then the loan is considered a procurement under University policies and your request should go through the Procurement and Business Services Office.
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What is an Equipment Use Agreement and when is it needed?
An Equipment Use Agreement permits another party to access Clemson University facilities and utilize the University’s equipment for a fee. This is only available to units that have an established billing rate for this type of activity that has been vetted and approved by the University Controller’s Office. Company personnel will need to be supervised and monitored by a University employee at all times when they are on the University premises and using the equipment.
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What is a Services Agreement and when is it needed?
A Services Agreement permits the University to provide standardized services to external entities on a recurring and unique basis that benefit the effectiveness of the University. Services are performed on a per unit basis based on billing rates that have been vetted and approved by the University Controller’s Office.
It can be difficult to determine whether an activity is a service or should be processed as a sponsored project. The Office of Industry Contracts has created a guidance document that can be used to help determine whether your activity is considered a service or a sponsored project. If you have questions about which is more appropriate, contact the OIC at cuic@clemson.edu or 864-656-3989.
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What is a Sponsored Student Project Agreement and when is it needed?
A Sponsored Student Project Agreement is an agreement between Clemson University and an external entity interested in providing support for undergraduate academic coursework through any combination of funding, supplies, materials, equipment, or personnel time. This agreement should be used when an external sponsor proposes a problem and agrees to the terms and conditions (un-edited other than for cosmetic or other minor changes) of the Sponsored Student Project Agreement. This agreement should ONLY be used for projects conducted by students as part of a course for academic credit. Faculty and other non-student involvement MUST be limited to only those duties defined in the course syllabus.
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Can I sign my own NDA, Equipment Loan, Equipment Use, Services Agreement, or Sponsored Student Project Agreement on behalf of the University?
Probably not. No Clemson University faculty, staff or student is permitted to sign any contract that binds the University unless such individual has been delegated, in writing, the authority to sign such agreements and is identified on the University’s Contract Delegation list.
Intellectual Property Policy & Disclosure Process
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If I create new intellectual property as a Clemson faculty, staff, or student, does Clemson own the intellectual property?
To better understand the assignment of intellectual property created by Clemson University faculty, staff, and students, see Clemson’s Intellectual Property Policy.
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Who owns the intellectual property that I may create in the performance of an industry sponsored project?
If intellectual property is created in the performance of an industry sponsored project, Clemson University asserts a right of ownership to any intellectual property that is created by Clemson personnel (including students) in the performance of the project. However, Clemson recognizes a company’s need to access project intellectual property that results from work it funds and has created contracts that enable companies to easily obtain access to the project intellectual property on fair and reasonable terms.
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What is the process for disclosing new intellectual property that I create?
The Clemson University Research Foundation manages all Clemson intellectual property. To disclose new intellectual property, CURF has a tutorial and link to the Inventor Portal.
