SUBJECT: JOINT UNT/NTRI SPONSORED PROJECT POLICY

APPLICABILITY: TOTAL UNIVERSITY

To aid in its development as an emerging, national research university, focused on service to this metropolitan area, the Board of Regents formed the North Texas Research Institute (NTRI) in 1989. Two of NTRI's major purposes, as stated in the Articles of Incorporation, are "to perform research, development, and service activities…with other institutions, government agencies, and business organizations; to provide research facilities, expertise and services for business and government organizations." NTRI thus serves as a major link between UNT and industry. Typically, NTRI handles the majority of industrial contracts, while UNT handles all regular grants and the majority of non-industrial contracts.

In general, sponsored project awards (usually in the form of grants) from the Federal Government, the State of Texas, and private foundations will be obtained through and administered by UNT. Sponsored project awards and equipment awards (generally in the form of contracts) from private industry will be obtained through and administered by NTRI. Gifts of money, real estate and other donations will normally be obtained through and administered by the UNT Foundation unless the donors specify otherwise or there are other compelling reasons that would make NTRI the more appropriate recipient.

In general, UNT will administer basic and applied research projects, training projects, and public service projects that: (1) allow free publication of project results and/or (2) allow UNT to retain the intellectual property rights to inventions and other materials created by those projects. Such projects are normally those sponsored by governmental agencies, private foundations, and similar non-profit organizations.

The North Texas Research Institute will administer research, development, and service projects that: (1) limit publication of project results and/or (2) require that some rights in intellectual property created be passed to the sponsor(s) in some fashion. Such projects are normally those sponsored by industrial (for-profit) companies. NTRI may also administer consultant contracts for its employees and for UNT faculty, if the faculty so choose. NTRI may accept awards of equipment if the donor specifies that the equipment be given to NTRI or there are compelling reasons that NTRI would make the most appropriate recipient.

When a proposed sponsored project does not clearly meet the criteria for administration by UNT or NTRI, the proposal will be routed through the usual UNT review process, and the UNT Vice Provost for Research will determine which entity will submit the proposal and administer any subsequent award.

JOINT UNT-NTRI REVENUE-SHARING POLICY

The North Texas Research Institute (NTRI) was formed by the University of North Texas in 1989. According to its Articles of Incorporation, one of the purposes of NTRI is "to assist in maintaining and enhancing through financial support the University of North Texas as a leading academic institution." The revenue-sharing mechanism described below is intended to provide a variety of avenues to support both UNT and NTRI needs in research and scholarship.

The North Texas Research Institute (NTRI) will share a portion of its allocable revenue with UNT. Allocable revenues are defined as those revenues remaining after the administrative expenses of the Institute have been paid. A reserve of at least $50,000 will be established and maintained before net indirect costs are shared with UNT. Other, special reserve funds required for special needs may also be set aside prior to net indirect cost revenue sharing.

At the end of each NTRI fiscal year, the amount of allocable revenues accrued by NTRI will be determined by the NTRI Board of Directors, transferred to a specific account and distributed in the subsequent fiscal year as follows:

25% of allocable revenues back to UNT, distributed through the existing formula used by UNT to distribute a portion of internal funds in support of research to principal investigators, departments, colleges/schools, and to the offices of the Vice Provost for Research and the Provost.

At least 25% of allocable revenues back to UNT to support shared research facilities and expenses (e.g., equipment purchase, maintenance and repair, necessary service contracts, moving and installing purchased or donated equipment, upgrading existing shared equipment, etc.).

Up to 25% of allocable revenues set aside as a fund to support new research initiatives and special projects designated by the Executive Director of NTRI in consultation with the Executive Committee of the NTRI Board of Directors.

Up to 25% of allocable revenues set aside as a fund to support new research initiatives and special projects, with funds to be allocated through the existing UNT Faculty Research Committee structure in support of special UNT projects, joint UNT/NTRI projects, or joint UNT/NTRI projects with other institutions or private corporations.

* Policy suspended; will be re-instituted when appropriate