FAQ - Research

Business and Industry FAQ – Research Specific

 Why collaborate with LSU?

As the flagship university of the state, LSU provides a faculty possessing a vast and diverse expertise in a multitude of fields, numerous and unique research facilities, and an extensive track record of achieving ground-breaking research results for the benefit of both private industry and the public.  

 What types of collaboration are available?

You can sponsor a unique research project tailored to your company’s needs, or you may participate as a member of an industrial affiliate group, where you would sponsor the research geared toward common problems in your industry.

 If I am interested in private research collaboration, where do I start?

The Office of Corporate Relations and Economic Development is always available to help you connect with the faculty member(s) best suited for your research needs within the College of Engineering.  If after discussing your research needs with the faculty member there is a mutual desire to proceed with the project, a research proposal detailing the scope of the project to be completed, including the cost, should be prepared and reviewed/approved by the LSU Office of Sponsored Programs prior to the project beginning. 

What types of agreements will I be expected to sign?

Each research endeavor is unique and, accordingly, agreements will be tailored to your specific research project and are administered by LSU’s Office of Sponsored Programs.  Please note that any preliminary discussions between you and any faculty members before executing the agreement(s) are nonbinding with respect to either party.  The LSU Office of Sponsored Programs and the LSU Office of Intellectual Property have standard agreement templates for such research projects which are available on request to allow you to gather an understanding of typical terms and conditions the university adheres to with respect to private research collaborations. 

How long will it take for my research project to begin?

The research project may begin once the Principal Investigator at LSU is notified by the LSU Office of Sponsored Programs that all pertinent agreements have been fully signed and executed.  The length of this process is dependent on the number of terms and conditions requiring negotiation between parties.  It should be noted that any changes to the scope of the project or any changes to the terms and conditions of the contract must be made in writing. 

What about confidential business information I may have to share with LSU?

During the course of discussing potential research projects, often times it may be necessary to disclose confidential or proprietary information.  Before such confidential information may be exchanged, the university requires the execution of a nondisclosure or material transfer agreement.  Such a nondisclosure or material agreement may be drafted to protect the company’s confidential information, the university’s confidential information, or both.  The university will seek to limit the confidential information disclosed to the minimum necessary and has in a place policies and procedures for protecting confidential information.  Employees of the university are also required to protect confidential information through their employment agreements and by state law. 

 What rights do I have in the research results?

Typically, LSU reserves the right to publish any nonconfidential or nonpatentable subject matter.  It should be noted that one of the primary functions of the university is the discovery and dissemination of new knowledge for the public good and one such means of dissemination is through scholarly papers and related publications.  We will extend the courtesy of allowing you to review such papers before publication.

 Based on the subject matter of the research project, exceptions to our general policy of publication may be made on a case by case basis.  You are invited to discuss such options with the Office of Sponsored Programs when negotiating the terms and conditions of the agreement.

 Who owns any intellectual property created under the collaborative research?

The general rule is that the university retains the ownership of any intellectual property created under the collaborative research.  LSU has an obligation to assure the citizens of the state of Louisiana that it is a responsible manager of state resources, including intellectual property created through research, and that the university will seek to ensure that is properly commercialized and/or made available to the public.  Typically, you will have the right of first refusal to license any intellectual property created under the collaborative research. 

You will continue to own any intellectual property in your possession before the execution of  the research agreement.  Additionally, you will retain ownership of any intellectual property created solely by you during the collaborative research.  The university will have no rights in such intellectual property, except those permitted by you.  

How can I find out if LSU already has a preexisting technology I may be interested in using?

LSU has a multitude of existing technologies available for licensing.  You may visit the web site of the Office of Intellectual Property for a detailed description of available technologies or you may contact the Office of Intellectual Property directly at 225-615-8967.

 What about materials I may need to provide or obtain for the research?

LSU must have a material transfer agreement in place before any materials can be accepted or provided for research.  The university has a standard agreement available for the transfer of both biological and non-biological materials, which may be viewed on the web site of the Office of Intellectual Property.

 Can my company use LSU’s research facilities and/or participate in the research?

LSU allows visiting scientists to view and participate in research activities subject to the policies and guidelines of the university.  Prior to such participation at any university facility, arrangements must be made with the Office of Sponsored Programs. 

Who should I contact for any questions I may have?

You are invited to contact Sarah Schram, Assistant Director of Corporate Relations and Economic Development for the College of Engineering at 225-578-6027, concerning any initial inquiries regarding collaborative research with the College of Engineering.