Access to large data sets is a key component of research at Stanford. Often, the data providers or recipients require a signed written or online agreement. Data agreements are different from Material Transfer Agreements, which generally involve the transfer of tangible laboratory materials such as reagents, cell lines or mice.
Stanford’s research contracting and purchasing offices can answer questions and help researchers navigate agreements for incoming or outgoing data:
- Agreements with industry should be sent to the Industrial Contracts Office
- Agreements with government or non-profit entities are handled by the Office of Sponsored Research
- Agreements to purchase or store data are handled by the Procurement Office
Data agreements that involve commitments on the part of the University are reviewed by one of the above contracting offices. For more information on handling data agreements and who may sign them, please see the February 2015 memo from the Vice Provost and Dean of Research.
