The Nonprofit Funder – Research Institution Partnership Workshop is a collaborative effort among several prominent organizations, including the Association of University Technology Managers (AUTM), Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO), Council on Governmental Relations (COGR), FasterCures, Health Research Alliance (HRA), and Stanford University. Since 2012, these entities have convened annual or periodic meetings to address critical issues at the intersection of nonprofit funding and institutional research partnerships. Over the years, the workshops have rotated among hosting organizations, highlighting the shared commitment to advancing best practices within the research funding ecosystem.
The primary focus areas of these meetings have evolved in response to emerging challenges and opportunities, particularly related to the negotiation and management of intellectual property (IP) aspects within research collaborations. Early workshops centered on general and specific IP clauses, while subsequent sessions tackled broader topics such as research operating costs, administrative considerations, and the development of guiding principles for responsible IP negotiations. Key outcomes have included the creation of model contractual provisions, practical toolkits, and frameworks to facilitate smoother interactions between funders and research institutions. The involvement of HRA in recent years, along with the introduction of distinct workstreams, reflects the ongoing effort to address complex issues and foster productive, mutually beneficial partnerships in biomedical and health research.
