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A MOU in Research is a formal, non-binding agreement between two or more parties (i.e., research institutions, organizations, and or individuals) that outlines the general terms and principles of collaboration or cooperation in a specific project or area. It's important to note that a MOU in Research does not typically create legally enforceable obligations. This foundational document sets the tone for collaboration and facilitates more detailed agreements.  An MOU in Research is not to be used if the parties exchange financial or material (requiring monetary obligation) resources. MOU in Research Template

If you receive/have an MOU in Research and are unsure how to advise the requestor, follow these steps:

• Use the UAF MOU in Research Template – All UAF MOUs in Research must use the official UAF MOU in Research template to ensure consistency in formatting and compliance. If an external party provides an MOU, it will be reviewed to determine if any additional information is required. 

• Format for Review – The MOU in Research should be provided in an editable format (Word or Google Doc) with proposed terms and institutions clearly listed.

• Initial Vetting – The MOU in Research must be reviewed and approved by the requestor’s supervisor, Dean, or Director before further processing.

• Determine Signing Authority – Identify who needs to sign the MOU in Research (Provost, VCR, etc.) based on the scope of the agreement.

• Research-Related MOUs – All MOUs in Research require approval from the VCR. The Research Compliance Officer (RCO) will review the MOU and provide a recommendation to the VCR for signature approval. If legal review is necessary, the RCO will consult with General Counsel (GC).  

• Finalizing the Document – The RCO will work with the requestor to finalize the research MOU in Research and ensure all necessary approvals are in place.

• Signature Routing – Once all reviews are complete, the RCO will route the MOU in Research for signature.

• Filing & Record Keeping – After execution, the RCO will file the signed MOU in Research in OnBase for official record-keeping, and a copy will be emailed to all applicable parties.

• Joint Research Initiatives: When researchers from different universities or departments collaborate on a research project(s), an MOU in Research can outline each party’s roles, responsibilities, contributions, resources, and data sharing. 

• Cross-Institutional Studies: If researchers from multiple institutions collaborate on a study, an MOU in Research can define the terms of collaboration, including how intellectual property rights will be managed. 

• Industry Partnership: When a university researcher partners with a company or industry for a sponsored research project, an MOU in Research can specify the research objectives and terms for the company or industry’s involvement in the research process. 

• Technology Transfer: If a researcher is collaborating with a company on technology development or commercialization, an MOU in Research can outline the responsibilities related to technology transfer, including development milestones. 

• Shared Facilities: An MOU in Research can formalize the use of shared facilities or resources among different departments or research centers within the university, including terms of access and maintenance responsibilities. 

• Integrated Research Project: For projects involving multiple disciplines or research centers, an MOU in Research can establish how different teams will work together, share data, and coordinate their efforts.

MOUs in Research are most effective when they establish a clear and specific exchange of institutional value between collaborating entities. At the university level, agreements should extend beyond individual involvement and support partnerships between departments, research centers, divisions, or entire institutions.

The value exchanged through an MOU in Research can take many forms, including:

• Student or faculty exchanges in research
• Shared research data or intellectual property
• Financial commitments
• Operational resources such as lab equipment or classroom space

Additionally, MOUs in Research can serve as formal documentation to strengthen external funding opportunities, including grant applications. By defining the terms of collaboration, these agreements help ensure transparency, accountability, and mutual benefit for all parties involved.

MOUs in Research support various collaborative activities between institutions. While specific initiatives may vary based on the partnership’s goals, common activities outlined in MOUs in Research include the following:

• Exchanges of undergraduate and graduate students involved in research – Facilitating academic and cultural exchange opportunities.
• Research faculty exchanges and visiting scholars – Promoting research collaboration and knowledge sharing.
• Joint executive education and certificate programs – Developing specialized training and professional development initiatives in research.

Joint program funding and financial contributions – Supporting research, academic programs, and institutional initiatives through shared resources.

“Export Controlled Information” means confidential technical information that is required for the design, development, production, manufacture, assembly, operation, repair, testing maintenance, or modification of commodities controlled under the Commerce Control List of the Export Administration Regulations or the U.S. Munitions List of the International Traffic in Arms Regulations. Export Controlled Information does not include information in the public domain, as that term is defined in the applicable regulations (EAR Part 772 or ITAR 120.11); information concerning general scientific, mathematical or engineering principles commonly taught in universities; basic marketing information on function or purpose or general system descriptions, or information resulting from the performance of fundamental research.

UAF has many students and faculty that are non-U.S. persons, and UAF utilizes some information systems (i.e., cloud services) that are not certified for receiving Export Controlled Information. The transfer of Export Controlled Information is prohibited under this MOU in Research unless the Receiving Party’s Export Compliance Officer has provided written permission. Should one Party believe it is necessary to disclose Export Controlled Information, that Party (the “Disclosing Party”) shall notify the Receiving Party’s Export Compliance Officer and provide a description of the information, including the applicable export jurisdiction and classification for the associated commodity. The Disclosing Party will abide by any instructions provided by the Receiving Party for the transmittal of Export Controlled Information. Neither Party is obligated to accept Export Controlled Information and will incur no contractual liability for refusal to accept Export Controlled Information.

UAF is unable to ship any equipment abroad without the express prior approval of the University’s Export Compliance Officer.

 

An MOU in Research outlines the terms, responsibilities, and expectations of the parties involved in a partnership or collaboration. While MOUs in Research are typically non-binding, they serve as a formal agreement to ensure clarity and alignment between organizations. Below are key terms and conditions commonly included in an MOU in Research:

• Purpose and Scope

• Clearly defines the intent and objectives of the collaboration
• Describes the activities, projects, or programs covered by the MOU in Research

• Parties Involved

• Lists the institutions, organizations, agencies, or entities entering the agreement
• Includes official names, roles, and responsibilities of each party

• Roles and Responsibilities

• Outlines each party’s specific duties, commitments, and contributions
• Addresses resource sharing, personnel involvement, and obligations under the agreement

• Duration and Termination

• Defines how intellectual property (IP) and research findings will be managed
• Specifies ownership, usage rights, and confidentiality of shared information or data

• Financial Responsibility (If Applicable)

• If there are financial obligations between parties - such as funding transfers, reimbursements, or cost-sharing - then a is more appropriate than an MOU in Research. 
• An MOA in Research should be completed if:
• Funds, reimbursements, or payments are involved
• Specific financial responsibilities must be documented (covering salaries, purchasing equipment, or supporting research activities).
• The agreement requires legal or contractual obligations between the parties
• There is a need to outline payment schedules, invoicing, or financial reporting requirements
• If there is no financial commitment, an MOU in Research may suffice. The MOU in Research should explicitly state that it does not involve financial obligations and is intended only to outline the collaborative relationship. 

• Intellectual Property and Data Sharing

• Defines how intellectual property (IP) and research findings will be managed
• Specifies ownership, usage rights, and confidentiality of shared information or data

• Compliance with Laws and Institutional Policies

• Confirms that all activities will comply with institutional, state, federal, and ��򽴫ý laws and regulations
• Includes compliance with research ethics, human subjects protections (IRB), export control laws, and environmental regulations, if applicable

• Dispute Resolution

• Describes how disagreements between the parties will be addressed
• May include mediation, arbitration, or negotiation processes

• Signing Authority

• Identifies who is authorized to sign the MOU in Research on behalf of each organization
• Ensures that only approved UAF representatives execute the agreement

• Amendments and Modifications

• Specifies how changes to the agreement must be proposed and approved
• Ensures all modifications must be in writing and agreed upon by both parties before modification can be implemented

• Record Keeping and Documentation

• Requires that a signed copy of the MOU in Research be maintained by the Office of Research Integrity and by all parties involved  
• Specifies that records may be stored in UAF's database (OnBase)