UOW Commercial Research Activities

The University of Wollongong (UOW) encourages its staff to undertake contract research, collaborative research and consultancies for external clients. The Commercial Research Unit (CRU) has administrative responsibility for commercial research at UOW and can link you with the appropriate researcher, expert or facility. Please refer to the CRU Customer Service Charter to understand what level of service you can expect from us.

You can then discuss the details of your specific requirements with an expert in the relevant field, who will indicate to you whether or not UOW has the capability and capacity to do the work for you. UOW does have a broad range of expertise available but sometimes (e.g. due to teaching demands, technical limitations or laboratory availability), we may not be able to meet your commercial requirements. However, we will always do our best to assist you with your enquiry.

Before the UOW researcher can start work on your project, a formal contract detailing the responsibilities of each party will need to be prepared. The contract will include clauses relating to intellectual property ownership, fees, milestones, deliverables, timelines, indemnities and insurance. CRU will be your contact point for contract negotiations.

The steps involved in accessing UOW expertise are:

1. initial discussions with the relevant CRU staff member who will link you to the appropriate UOW researcher/expert. You may prefer to start with a search of our commercial research capabilities database.
2. direct discussions with a UOW researcher who will provide initial advice regarding the feasibility of your proposed project and appropriateness to their area of expertise.
3. the UOW researcher will complete some internal paperwork to determine costings according to UOW Policy.
4. the UOW researcher will provide you with a proposed fee (i.e. quote) and you will both agree on a project proposal.
5. if you agree to the fee and project proposal, the UOW researcher will seek the internal approvals to undertake the project for you.
6. the CRU may negotiate specific intellectual property or commercial terms with you.
7. a contract will be prepared by your organisation or by UOW (managed by CRU but with legal advice from UOW’s Legal Services Unit).
8. both parties will need to agree on terms and sign the contract.
9. once a fully executed copy of the contract has been received by UOW, the UOW researcher can commence work on the project. 
10. UOW will raise invoices as per the project fees and timelines described in the research contract.

UOW's Commercial Research Guidelines

UOW has prepared Commercial Research Guidelines for its external clients to explain UOW’s approach to Commercial Research, including contractual issues. Potential Clients are encouraged to read these at an early stage so that they are aware of the processes involved and the position UOW will take in contract negotiations. 

Download:

•  Commercial Research Guidelines (.pdf file 100KB)

Last reviewed: 7 February, 2008