Does anyone have a working defifnition for "research project" versus
"service project" when dealing with industrial contracts/grants?

On the question of formal documentation for privately-funded research
and other projects, we at Northern Illinois University have been wrestling
with the issue of when to allow purchase orders and when to require
contractual agreements.  Also, when confidential information will be
communicated, but publication and intellectual property rights are not at
issue, we've thought of using a confidentiality agreement in conjunction
with a purchase order.

If the sponsor requires confidentiality agreements from the P.I. and
students are involved in the project, or actually may be the only
personnel working directly on the project ( under faculty supervision)
who signs the confidentiality agreement?  The faculty member, the
student, both?

I'd appreciate hearing from you if you have thoughts or policies on these
matters.

Thanks - Gail Mitchell

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Gail Mitchell
Research Services Coordinator/Development
Office of Sponsored Projects
Northern Illinois University
DeKalb, IL 60115-2874
Tel:  815-753-9281
Fax:  815-753-6366 e-mail: xxxxxx@niu.edu