Sponsored Research Agreement Template

Create a legally-sound sponsored research agreement that protects all parties' interests. This template helps you define research parameters, establish funding terms, and clarify intellectual property rights.

A Sponsored Research Agreement (SRA) is a legally binding contract that establishes the terms and conditions under which a sponsor provides funding to an institution for conducting specific research. This comprehensive agreement template ensures all critical aspects of the research partnership are clearly defined and protected.

What This Template Is For

This SRA template is designed for organizations and institutions that need to formalize research funding relationships. It provides a structured framework for defining the scope of research, funding commitments, intellectual property rights, and reporting requirements. The agreement protects both the sponsor's investment and the institution's research integrity while ensuring compliance with relevant regulations.

When To Use This Template

Use this template when:

  • A company or organization is providing funding for specific research projects
  • The research requires formal documentation of intellectual property rights
  • Detailed reporting and deliverables need to be established
  • Multiple parties are involved in the research collaboration
  • Compliance with institutional policies must be documented

How To Customize It

Follow these steps to customize the agreement:

  1. Define the specific research scope and objectives
  2. Detail the funding amount and payment schedule
  3. Specify intellectual property rights and ownership
  4. Outline reporting requirements and deliverables
  5. Include any special compliance requirements or approvals
  6. Add institutional-specific terms and conditions
  7. Review and adjust confidentiality provisions

Common Use Cases

This SRA template is commonly used in:

  • University-industry research partnerships
  • Clinical research studies
  • Technology development projects
  • Multi-institutional collaborations
  • Government-funded research initiatives

Best Practices

Follow these guidelines for an effective SRA:

  • Clearly define all technical terms and scope
  • Include specific timelines and milestones
  • Detail all compliance requirements upfront
  • Specify publication rights and restrictions
  • Include clear termination provisions

Template Variations

Consider these variations based on your needs:

  • Cost Reimbursement SRA
  • Fixed Price SRA
  • Multi-Party Research Agreement
  • International Research Collaboration Agreement

Success Stories

Organizations have successfully used this template to:

  • Secure multi-million dollar research funding
  • Establish long-term research partnerships
  • Protect valuable intellectual property rights
  • Enable groundbreaking collaborative research

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the essential components of an SRA?

Key components include research scope, funding terms, IP rights, reporting requirements, and compliance obligations.

How long should the agreement term be?

Terms typically range from 1-5 years, depending on research scope and funding structure.

Who needs to approve the agreement?

Usually requires approval from institutional research office, legal counsel, and authorized signatories.

Can the agreement be modified after signing?

Yes, through written amendments agreed upon by all parties.

What happens to IP rights after the agreement ends?

IP rights typically survive agreement termination as specified in the agreement terms.