Engagement Opportunities

The creation and transfer of knowledge for the good of society is an underlying goal of higher education. While protecting its intellectual vitality and integrity, Stanford seeks to maximize opportunities for partnerships and collaborations with industry. Corporations have invested substantially in the University through philanthropic support and support for research programs, and have interacted with faculty and students through participation in a wide range of industrial affiliates programs.

As an integral part of the Silicon Valley, Stanford University understands the relationships between industry and academe, and the potential for mutually-rewarding synergy. We encourage you to explore ways in which corporations can leverage their resources through a relationship with Stanford University.

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Support faculty, students, or facilities through a broad partnership?

By making gifts to Stanford, corporations strengthen their relationship with one of the world's leading research universities, gain exposure to an important source of intellectual talent, support departments and faculty engaged in research related to their interests, honor individuals who have played key roles in their success, introduce their companies and their products to future users and consumers, and support and encourage the philanthropy of their employees. For more information, contact Corporate Relations.

License specific technology?

Stanford's licensing activities involve inventions, patents, biological materials, software, and copyrightable materials. By working closely with inventors and industry, Stanford seeks to maximize the value of technology for the future. Technology transfer has become a key concept in national, regional, and global economic development. In the entrepreneurial environment of the Silicon Valley, Stanford University and its Office of Technology Licensing (OTL) have become models for successful technology transfer. For more information, contact the Office of Technology Licensing.

Sponsor research?

As a major research university, Stanford receives a significant portion of its funding from organizations that directly underwrite research projects. Usually awarded upon submission and evaluation of a proposal, sponsored projects typically include a statement of work, a budget, and terms for the disposition of resulting tangible and intangible property.

Why might industry contract out their research efforts to a University? The answers are as varied as the intellectual questions behind the projects; however the answer may be the desire to make best use of limited corporate resources, to take advantage of unique research facilities, and to engage faculty and students in questions which will impact the future of the world. For more information, contact the Industrial Contracts Office.

Join an industrial affiliate program or research center in your area of interest?

Industrial affiliate program memberships provide a "window" on the research activities of a specific Stanford department or research program and afford companies the opportunity to enjoy special relationships in the areas of greatest value to them. Each affiliate program is free to focus on the interests of the involved Stanford faculty and allied industries. While each program has its own membership fees and benefits, consistent emphasis on close, effective communication exists between member companies and the faculty, staff, and students in the program. Interested? Look at the list of programs.

Sponsor clinical trials?

Hundreds of clinical trials are ongoing at Stanford University Medical Center involving pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device therapeutics. The clinical faculty participate in Phase I, II and III clinical trials, as well as industry-sponsored preclinical research and human subjects studies for new indications for approved drugs (Phase IV). Many clinical trials are part of a multi-center format, and Stanford has served as the organizing site for some of these trials. For more information, contact SPCTRM.

Support a faculty member's research?

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Graduate School of Business faculty and research
School of Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences research groups
School of Education faculty and research
School of Engineering faculty and research
School of Humanities & Sciences research
School of Law faculty by subject
School of Medicine academic profiles
Independent Labs, Centers & Institutes