Research Agreement Template for England and Wales

A Research Agreement sets out the terms when organizations work together on scientific, technical, or academic projects. It covers how partners will share resources, handle discoveries, and split any commercial benefits from the research. These contracts are especially important in UK universities, pharmaceutical companies, and tech firms working on joint innovations.

Under English law, these agreements protect intellectual property rights and confidential information while ensuring compliance with data protection rules. They typically spell out key details like funding arrangements, publication rights, and what happens to any patents or discoveries. Good agreements also include clear dispute resolution procedures and rules about ending the partnership.

Use a Research Agreement whenever your organization plans to conduct research with external partners, especially in fields like pharmaceuticals, technology, or academic studies. These agreements become essential before sharing sensitive data, pooling research resources, or starting joint scientific investigations with other institutions in the UK.

The timing is crucial - put this agreement in place before any research work begins or confidential information changes hands. This protects your intellectual property rights, establishes clear ownership of future discoveries, and ensures compliance with UK data protection laws. It's particularly important when working with international partners or when research might lead to commercial applications.

• Clinical Study Agreement: Specifically designed for medical research and drug trials, covering patient safety protocols and regulatory compliance
• Accelerated Clinical Trial Agreement: Streamlined version for fast-track medical studies with simplified terms and expedited approval processes
• Technology Transfer Agreement: Focuses on tech innovation and IP transfer between research institutions and commercial partners
• Indirect Cost Rate Agreement: Establishes overhead cost allocation for research projects, common in academic and government partnerships
• Indirect Cost Agreement: Simplified version for smaller projects, dealing with basic overhead cost sharing arrangements

• Universities and Research Institutions: Often lead parties in Research Agreements, providing facilities, expertise, and academic oversight while managing intellectual property rights
• Pharmaceutical Companies: Partner with institutions to conduct clinical trials and drug development research, contributing funding and commercial expertise
• Legal Teams: Draft and review agreements to ensure compliance with UK research regulations and protect institutional interests
• Principal Investigators: Lead the research projects and ensure compliance with agreement terms while managing research teams
• Research Ethics Committees: Review and approve research protocols, ensuring compliance with ethical standards and patient protection
• Technology Transfer Officers: Manage intellectual property aspects and commercialization opportunities arising from research

• Project Scope: Define the research objectives, timeline, and expected outcomes clearly before starting the agreement draft
• Party Details: Gather full legal names, addresses, and registration numbers of all participating institutions and key researchers
• Resource Allocation: List all facilities, equipment, data, and personnel commitments from each party
• IP Framework: Determine ownership rights for existing IP and future discoveries
• Budget Planning: Document funding sources, payment schedules, and cost-sharing arrangements
• Compliance Check: Review relevant UK research regulations and ethics requirements for your field
• Draft Generation: Use our platform to create a customised, legally-sound agreement that includes all required elements

• Party Identification: Full legal names, addresses, and authorised signatories of all research partners
• Project Scope: Detailed description of research objectives, methodologies, and expected outcomes
• Intellectual Property Rights: Clear allocation of existing and future IP, including patents and publications
• Confidentiality Terms: Specific provisions for handling sensitive data and research findings
• Resource Commitments: Detailed breakdown of funding, facilities, and personnel contributions
• Duration and Termination: Project timeline, renewal options, and exit procedures
• Data Protection: GDPR compliance measures and research data handling protocols
• Dispute Resolution: Agreed procedures for handling disagreements under English law

A Research Agreement differs significantly from a Research and Development Agreement in several key aspects. While both deal with collaborative research, they serve distinct purposes in the UK legal framework.

• Primary Focus: Research Agreements typically cover pure academic or scientific research, while R&D Agreements specifically target commercial product development and market applications
• IP Rights Structure: Research Agreements often emphasize publication rights and academic freedom, whereas R&D Agreements prioritize commercial exploitation and patent protection
• Funding Mechanisms: Research Agreements usually involve grants or institutional funding, while R&D Agreements include commercial investment and profit-sharing arrangements
• Regulatory Framework: Research Agreements focus on academic ethics and research governance, while R&D Agreements emphasize commercial regulations and product development standards
• Duration and Milestones: Research Agreements typically have more flexible timelines, while R&D Agreements include strict development milestones and commercialization deadlines