NIH Technology Transfer
NIH technology transfer helps move discoveries and inventions from NIH labs to public and private sectors for commercialization and public benefit.
NIH technology transfer helps move discoveries and inventions from NIH labs to public and private sectors for commercialization and public benefit.
This process connects NIH researchers with external partners like universities, non-profits, and industry to develop and bring new technologies to market to improve human health. The main goal of NIH technology transfer is to turn medical knowledge and research findings into practical applications and products that benefit public health. These can include new treatments, diagnostics, research tools, or other innovations.
Sharing or Receiving Specimens and/or Data
If you are sharing or receiving specimens or data for research as part of a Material Transfer Agreement (MTA), Data Transfer Agreement (DTA), Data Use Agreement (DUA), or Research Collaboration Agreement (RCA), you need to complete the Investigator Attestation form below and submit it to your Tech Transfer contact. Either you or an OHSRP staff person must sign the form.
This form was implemented to ensure that NIH investigators are complying with applicable human subjects research protections requirements when they transfer and use human specimens or data. For example:
- If you collected the specimens or data under an NIH IRB-approved protocol, you must follow the terms in the original consent form about sharing and future research.
- If the transfer means you will conduct new human subjects research (like receiving identifiable results or analyzing identifiable specimens or data), you need prospective IRB approval for the research activity.
If you have questions or are unable to attest to the required conditions in the form, you should email julie.eiserman@nih.gov and cc: the NIH Office of IRBO (IRB@od.nih.gov) with an explanation of the situation and copies of the consent forms, when applicable.