What we do
The Research and Knowledge Exchange Contracts Team (RKEC), based in the Research, Innovation and Knowledge Exchange Directorate, is responsible for negotiating and approving the terms of all research-related agreements on behalf of the University and for providing advice about research-related contractual and intellectual property matters. The Team is also responsible for protecting intellectual property rights and coordinating the exploitation of new intellectual property through licences or spin-out companies.
RKEC can assist you with agreements governing:
The Contracting Process
Prior to beginning contract negotiations, the research project should be costed through Worktribe and approved by the Head of Department.
One contracting party (normally the sponsor, or lead contractor in a subcontract or consortium) will produce the first draft. Some contracts, for example with industrial partners, may be heavily negotiated.
Once the contents of the contract have been agreed by all parties, the contract must be signed by a University authorised signatory. This is normally the Head of the Research Operations hub for Research contracts (not the Head of Department). Some agreements may also require the signatures of the investigator and any student. It is advisable for the investigator to also keep a copy to refer to during the project.
Research Contract Process & role clarification
Model Contracts
Sponsors often want to use their own standard contract as the basis for negotiations, but where possible we prefer to use one of our model contracts as appropriate to the type of research being undertaken. A number of model contracts are available to help with contract negotiations, including:
In most cases, model agreements will require tailoring for the proposed purpose. Additionally, we can draft bespoke agreements for more unusual situations that are not listed above.
Funding, grants and contracts
- Applying for funding
- Intellectual property
- Glossary of abbreviations
- Frequently asked questions
Who to contact
Michael Barber
Contracts and Sponsorship Manager
Michael.Barber@york.ac.uk
ext. 8693