One of our faculty members just received a grant from National
Geographic Society for a field expedition to China.  In addition to our PI,
there will be researchers from about six different universities/
organizations in different countries who will participate in the field
work.

 Although NGS writes the checks to the investigators, our PI has
requested that he endorse the check over to us and that we manage the funds
thru our grants accounting system.  We are okay with the accounting part
but have some questions about liability.  We are thinking about drawing up
a "hold harmless" agreement for all of the expedition team members,
indicating that the College of Charleston is not liable for things that
could go wrong--including bodily injury--in the field.  From the
humanitarian standpoint, we are also concerned that these other
investigators know the extent to which their own health insurance will
cover them in China so that they know how to handle medical emergencies in
the field.

 Has anyone out there had experience with this kind of project?  Is the
"hold harmless" agreement a good idea?  Or is there a better way to address
our concerns?

Thanks in advance for the assistance.

Barbara H. Gray                                  xxxxxx@cofc.edu
Director of Sponsored Programs                   Phone: (803) 953-5673
University of Charleston, SC                     FAX:   (803) 953-1434
66 George Street
Charleston, SC  29424-0001