Please be aware of this important notice concerning Funded Research Contracts
Although an offer will normally refer to a Chief Investigator and a specific project, the research is undertaken in the name of UWA, and UWA assumes legal responsibility for it.
When a proposal becomes successful, an offer is made to the University and the University is often required to enter into a formal agreement with the funding agency. Therefore all research contracts must be submitted to the Research Services office for signature and administrative processing.
As you may be aware, UWA was involved in legal action in the Federal Court that focused on the ownership of intellectual property developed by a senior academic employee and other researchers while employed at UWA.
A decision against UWA was made in the Federal Court and upheld on appeal by the Full Bench of the Federal Court. UWA is seeking leave to appeal to the High Court because the decision challenges the principles upon which universities operate when their employees undertake research while using public funds.
The decision could stem the potential flow of the benefits of intellectual property resulting from such research to the broader community. It has already caused considerable confusion within the sector.
Until this situation is clarified, UWA seeks the direct assistance of its staff in the management of intellectual property.
Process
For UWA to fulfil its obligations under these contracts, as well as fulfil its general obligation to manage intelllectual property for the benefit of the broader community, we need you to assign any rights you may have in intellectual property created during the course of your grant-funded research.
Please read the letter from the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), Professor Doug McEachern (dated 1 October 2009) and the guidelines provided about this issue, and sign the Deed Poll:
University information
CRICOS Code: 00126G
