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Commercial Research & Commercialisation

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:

• Read the University's Commercial Research Policy. Note that all staff wishing to undertake commercial research must comply with this policy.
• 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

• Once you and the Client agree that the project can be feasibly performed by UOW, you can undertake initial negotiations with the client regarding the scope of services. 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 Debbie Langton, Commercial Research Officer, ext 4817 or e-mail dlangton@uow.edu.au.

• Once you are confident that you have appropriately costed the project, you can provide the client with an "estimated price based on the proposed scope of services". Never use the term "quote" as it has certain legal implications.
• 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 Debbie Langton (she can come and pick it up from you on campus - her phone# is x4817).

• CRU will negotiate the contract with the Client (with legal 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. CRU may liaise with you during this stage to ensure that it can meet the legal obligations that the client may request from UOW (e.g. moral rights waivers, publication restrictions, intellectual property, conflicts of interest).

• You will be provided with a copy of the final agreed contract, which will contain the list of milestones and deliverables that you would have already agreed to in principle with the client. You will be required to deliver against these agreed terms. If you think that you may not be able to meet an agreed milestone or deliverable, you should notify CRU ASAP so that the client can be made aware of this and an amendment to the contract can be negotiated. You will be the main contact between UOW and the client during the project delivery stage and it is important that you manage this relationship in a professional way. If you require any support or advice to do this or you believe that there are some relationship issues requiring attention, please contact CRU .
• 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 Tin Ho, Finance Officer, x3198.
• It is important that once a project is completed, that UOW maintains an ongoing relationship with the client. You will play a key role in maintaining this relationship. Please let CRU know if you are aware of any issues that would mean that the client does not have a favourable view of UOW and its commercial research services. Alternatively, CRU is always looking for case studies and testimonials to promote positive client experiences so please also let CRU  know if you can assist in this regard.

If you would like to undertake commercial research but need help finding an industry partner, please contact 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:

• Commercial Research Guidelines (pdf file 263KB) Hardcopies are also available from the Commercial Research Unit.

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:

• Commercial Research Guidelines (pdf file 105KB)

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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