Collaborator due diligence
At the University of Oxford, we carry out due diligence on prospective research collaborators as part of establishing and managing research partnerships. This helps us meet our legal and security-related obligations, comply with funder terms and conditions, and safeguard the University’s interests and reputation.
To initiate a due diligence assessment, a member of the University (often a researcher or project manager) will contact the prospective collaborator to request information about the organisation. This may include details of governance and ownership, relevant policies and procedures, and the organisation’s capacity to deliver its role in the proposed research project. We may also discuss key terms for the collaboration.
The information provided is reviewed by specialist staff in the University’s Trusted Research Team, who carry out the assessment and provide advice to support the development and finalisation of the research collaboration agreement.
The University takes due diligence seriously and applies a proportionate approach to both assessments and contractual arrangements, with the aim of enabling research collaborations on terms that are appropriate and beneficial to all parties.
If you have any questions about our due diligence process for research collaborations, please contact us at [email protected].