Topic

Who Can Sign Research & Innovation Agreements

Who is this for?

The agreement authorization process is relevant to the following roles.

  • Principals, Deans, Academic Directors, and Chairs
  • Professor, Faculty Member
  • Research or Financial Administrator

What do I need before I can begin?

Prior to the review of all research contracts or agreements by the Division of the Vice-President Research & Innovation (VPRI), researchers must initiate an application through the My Research Application (MRA) system.

Review the University of Toronto’s (U of T) Policy on Approval and Execution of Contracts and Documents.

Contact a VPRI staff member if you have questions regarding the execution of a research and innovation agreement

Overview

There are various forms of funded and non-funded research and innovation agreements resulting from granting agencies as well as from research collaborations with external organizations.

Research and innovation agreements also include those that grant intellectual property (IP) rights to a third party for IP that has been developed at U of T.  These agreements include, but are not limited to, License Agreements, Option Agreements and Assignment Agreements.  For more information on Innovation Agreements, please contact the Innovations & Partnerships Office at innovations.partnerships@utoronto.ca.

U of T Policy: Approval & Execution of Contracts & Documents

Research contracts or agreements are signed on behalf of U of T by the Vice-President, Research and Innovation, and Strategic Initiatives (or their delegate).

A U of T Principal Investigator (PI) is not authorized to sign a Research Agreement on behalf of the University. It is, however, recommended that PI’s sign their acknowledgement on all research and innovation agreements in order to ensure their acceptance of the terms of the agreement.

U of T is the legally binding authority for all research collaborations and therefore bound to all obligations set forth in a research agreement, including the management of research funds on behalf of Principal Investigators.

Forms & Downloads

VPRI Role

  • Ensure that all research agreements are authorized for signature and signed on behalf of U of T by the Vice-President, Research and Innovation or delegate
  • Ensure the contracting party for a Research Agreement is identified as “The Governing Council of the University of Toronto”
  • Ensure the agreement is consistent with University policies and guidelines

VPRI Contact

Find the appropriate VPRI staff member to assist you by checking our staff directory. You may search by discipline area (e.g. Social Sciences, Health & Life Sciences, Natural Sciences or Engineering, etc.) or funding agency name.