2.2 Managing a research contract
2.2.4 Other issues identical to managing research grants
The following subtopics have already been covered in the previous topic, "Administration of research grants". They are equally relevant to the administration of research contracts. You may wish to use the links below to review those subtopics in the context of administering research contracts. There is no need to re-engage with the activities in those subtopics.
If you do revisit these pages, you can use your browser's back button to return to this page.
- Ethical and biosafety clearances
The requirement to obtain relevant clearances holds for research contracts as well. Note, however, that all ethics approvals should be obtained before the contract is signed, because if approval is subsequently withheld the project cannot proceed and the university will be in breach of its contractual obligations. Alternatively, the contract should include a term that the performance of the contract is conditional upon obtaining all necessary ethics approvals.
- Managing your budget
The principles remain the same, but your income will depend upon the terms of your research contract.
- Personnel
The advice provided in that section holds true for selecting, training, and managing personnel employed under a research contract.
- Financial reports
The contract the university signs on your behalf will stipulate the frequency and nature of the funder's financial requirements. As with a research grant, you must expend and acquit funds in accordance with the project budget and contract.
- Project reports
The organisation funding your research will have included in the research contract the type of report it requires, and the frequency with which they must be completed. If you fail to comply, the university will be in breach of its contractual obligations and the contract might be terminated.
- Accountability and transparency
It is as important to maintain good project records for contract research as it is for research grants.
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