1. Main Objectives of Collaboration
· Integrate former weapons scientists from the CIS into the international scientific community
· Foster self-sustaining civilian activities of CIS scientists
· Familiarize foreign organizations with unique Russian/CIS science and research
2. Benefits of Collaboration for CIS Project Participants
· Improvement in the design and execution of projects
· Assurance that projects do not duplicate efforts in the same fields
· Links to related research efforts in other countries
· Assistance in identifying appropriate sources of special materials and equipment to be used in projects
· Guidance on how best to internationally disseminate the results of research and development
· Long-term cooperation in science and technology from experience gained during project implementation
Purposeful and productive collaboration is a principal consideration for projects to receive funding.
3. Benefits for the Foreign Collaborator
· Contact with high-level and highly-skilled CIS scientists and engineers
· Participation in experiments at unique installations and facilities
· Early access to results arising from ISTC Projects
· Improved focus and efficiency of R & D activity through information exchange and consultation
· Potential partnership in commercialization of results
4. Types of Collaboration
· Participation in the development of project proposal and work plan
· Exchange of information during project implementation
· Mutual review of technical reports
· Joint seminars, workshops, meetings, consultations
· Verification of results using independent methods and/or equipment
· Sharing of scarce materials, samples, resources
· Joint or parallel investigations
· Consultation on Intellectual Property Rights, in case of joint invention
· Other types of collaboration are possible
Collaborators may be invited to participate in on-site technical monitoring, staff in compliance with ISTC procedures.
5. Where to Find a Collaborator
· Numerous Internet databases, including the ISTC home page (http://www.istc.ru/)
· Correspondence with authors of publications and conferences reports
· International conferences and exhibitions ( i.e.CeBiT )
· Consultation with ISTC Senior Technology Implementation Managers, Project Managers, and other staff members experienced in establishing cooperation with international institutions
6. How to Begin Collaboration
The CIS Project Manager:
· sends an unrestricted summary (or more detailed project information) to a potential collaborator
· sends brief description(the standard package should be prepared by Secretariat) of ISTC activities to familiarize collaborator
with ISTC activities;,; a standard information package can be provided by the ISTC Secretariat
· suggests that an organization/individual become a collaborator, specifying possible areas for collaboration
· suggests letter template in which collaborator expresses support of proposal/project goals and interest in participating as a collaborator
The ISTC and the Financing Parties support and facilitate the project manager’s search for foreign collaborators.
7. Who May Become a Collaborator
· National/international organizations, research institutions, universities, private companies, experts, etc.
Terms and conditions: Unless otherwise agreed by the Financing Party(ies), collaborator headquarters must be located in the territories of the Parties to the ISTC Agreement which provide funding for the project.
Procedure: The prospective collaborator sends to the ISTC Secretariat or funding Party a written agreement, which outlines the forms of collaboration and indicates acceptance of ISTC goals.
8. Collaborator Status in Project Implementation
· Collaborator is not required to provide any project funding
· Collaborator activities in the project will not be supported directly by ISTC grants, but in certain cases collaborator may participate in separate project-related activities supported by the ISTC such as training courses, specialized seminars, etc.
· Collaborator should cover all costs related to its participation in the project
· No agreement is usually signed between the Center and the collaborator
· Name(s) of collaborator and organization, as well as the main collaboration activity, should be stated in the project Work Plan
9. Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)
· Intellectual Property Rights belong to the CIS Institute
· CIS Institute shall grant the Financing Party an exclusive, irrevocable, royalty-free license for commercial purposes on that Party’s territory
· The collaborator may apply to the Financing Party for a partial or total transfer of IPR
10. Organization of Collaboration
· It is recommended that joint activities be bilaterally agreed to in writing; any provisions of such agreement must be consistent with the project obligations between ISTC and CIS participants
· It is recommended that joint workshops be organized regularly for progress control and discussion of next steps
· If CIS participants intend to share any confidential information with collaborator(s), they should arrange appropriate procedures on a bilateral basis that are consistent with the Project Agreement between the ISTC and CIS participants
· It is desirable that the conclusions of the foreign collaborator be attached to the annual and final project reports
· Foreign collaborators from each Party's territory are encouraged to informally coordinate collaboration as convenient
· The Project Manager and the Foreign Collaborator are encouraged to initiate contact as early as possible, however the Project Manager is responsible for establishing and maintaining the collaboration
11. Beyond Collaboration
· Governmental, intergovernmental, private, and commercial organizations may directly fund research projects within the framework of the ISTC Partner Program. Information on the benefits of the Partner Program is available from the ISTC Secretariat.