Commercial Research
The University of Wollongong (UOW) believes that the specialist expertise and skills of its staff should be available to the wider community. Members of academic staff are therefore encouraged to undertake contract research and consultancy (i.e. commercial research) work to share their expertise and experience and transfer technology from UOW to the community at large.
The Commercial Research Unit provides advice and assistance to staff undertaking commercial research. CRU can provide advice on:
- initial negotiations with the Client and what they will expect;
- costing the project and preparing a quote;
- processes for submitting tenders; and
- adequate commercial terms.
CRU is responsible for:
- negotiating, extending, varying, and issuing commercial research contracts;
- negotiating and issuing confidentiality agreements to cover confidential discussions relating to potential commercial research projects
- ensuring that commercial research activities adhere to the UOW’s Guidelines for Commercial Activities and UOW’s Commercial Research Policy;
- ensuring commercial research contracts are executed as per UOW’s delegations policy;
- ensuring projects are costed and approved according to UOW’s Commercial Research Policy; and
- providing advice on administrative procedures and UOW policy.
Getting Started
The steps for staff undertaking commercial research are to:
- Read the University's Commercial Research Policy. Note that all staff wishing to undertake commercial research must comply with this policy.
Please Note: The Commercial Research Policy has been updated. The Commercial Research Unit (CRU) are organising training sessions for staff. If you are interested in attending please contact Troy Coyle on x4420 or e-mail tcoyle@uow.edu.au
- Undertake initial negotiations with your client. Note that CRU staff can provide advice during this stage and all negotiations are subject to formal approval by the University.
- Appropriately cost your project using the Commercial Research Costing Pro Forma (The Engineering faculty should use the Costing Pro Forma for Engineers) >Download Forms
Please Note this form must be sent to CRU with your Commercial Research Approval Form (see step 5).
If you require assistance to cost your project, please contact the Commercial Research Manager, Ms Leisa Ridges, on ext 4817.
If you are seeking to have the Faculty Cost Recovery waived, you will need to fill in a Faculty Cost Recovery Waiver form.
- Check whether your project involves any Commercial Research Risk Indicators.
- Gain approval to undertake the project (using the Commercial Research Approval Form).
- Send your Costing Pro Forma and Approval Form to Leisa Ridges (she can come and pick it up from you on campus - her phone# is 4817).
- CRU will negotiate the contract with the Client (with advice from Legal Services) and organise for the contract to be executed (we will notify you when this occurs). You are then able to commence work. Note that work on a project cannot commence before you have approval and a signed contract is in place. Otherwise you may not be able to undertake the work under the auspices of UOW or be covered by its insurances.
- UOW's Financial Services Unit will raise invoices with your client upon receipt of a completed Invoice Request Form, which should be sent attention to Kim Gray, Commercial Analyst.
If you would like to undertake commercial research but need help finding an industry partner, please contact your Manager of Innovation and Commercialisation (MIC) or a member of the Commercial Research Unit.
UOW's Commercial Research Guidelines
(For UOW Staff and Students)
UOW's Commercial Research Guidelines document (for UOW Staff and Students) has been prepared to explain UOW's internal approach to Commercial Research in an easy reference booklet.
Download:
UOW's Commercial Research Guidelines
(External Clients)
UOW's Commercial Research Guidelines document (for external Clients) has been prepared to explain UOW's approach to Commercial Research, including contractual issues. UOW Researchers are encouraged to provide copies (which are also available from the MICs) to potential Clients at an early stage so that our Clients are aware of the processes involved and the position UOW will take in contract negotiations.
Download:
Client surveys have identified that our Clients would like to be made aware of our processes.
Enquiries regarding Commercial Research should be directed to Troy Coyle on extension 4420 or e-mail: tcoyle@uow.edu.au
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