Since it is necessary in science for others to repeat results, and because researchers at different institutions may wish to collaborate, it is often necessary to share materials between laboratories. Materials Transfer Agreements (MTAs) are standard agreements that are used when research materials or any sort (e.g. microbial strains, recombinant DNA, biological or chemical samples, devices, etc.) are transferred between institutions.

Contrary to popular belief, these agreements are always required in any transfer of materials, even when the materials are non-hazardous or non-patentable. MTAs protect institutions from being successfully litigated against due to another party's misuse of the material. MTAs also preserve intellectual property rights associated with a material, so that unauthorized commercial use of a material does not occur.

If you have requested a material from another institution and have subsequently received a form to sign, this form must be forwarded to the OTT for signature. Individual researchers at Rice do not have signature authority for MTAs, and in any event signing them can expose the recipient to unwanted liability.

Sending out materials developed at Rice without first getting a signed MTA in place can also expose researchers to liability and can allow others to make undesirable commercial use of these materials. If you have received a request for a material developed in your laboratory at Rice, please fill out and submit the form below. A representative of the OTT will contact you shortly.