Checklist: Signing agreements and research collaborations

Good to know

• Remember that you are never a contractual party to a research collaboration. Umeå University has that role.
• If you have multiple employers, remember that an agreement between your different employers may be necessary.
• You can always contact universitetsjurist@umu.se to draw up an agreement, interpret an agreement or if you have other questions about agreements.

To collaborate in research

• If you need an agreement or if you have received an agreement from a partner, fill out the agreement review form found on the Research collaboration agreements page and send it to universitetsjurist@umu.se. Also be aware that you need to attach certain documents, for instance a head of department's certificate.
• If your collaboration involves sharing biobank material, you must contact the Section of Biobank and Registry Support (BRS) to prepare the required agreements. You can reach BRS at info.brs@umu.se.
• The personal data controller must be identified and documented if there are several parties collaborating in a research project where personal data is processed. Documentation can take the form of an agreement. Contact the data protection officer at dataskydd@umu.se for assistance.
• If you are going to purchase a service where the supplier will process personal data on behalf of Umeå University, a data processing agreement (DPA) is required.
• If you are going to collaborate with researchers at other universities or with companies, you may need a collaboration agreement. Read more about this on the Research collaboration agreements page. Then contact universitetsjurist@umu.se.
• If you are going to share research data or other information with a partner who is not employed at Umeå University, follow the guidance for sharing research data in collaborations. Always begin by conducting a secrecy examination of the information you share.