The DTI is launching an online toolkit of standard model contracts designed specifically to simplify university/industry partnerships and research collaborations. The initiative is a direct result of the Lambert Review recommendation to devise practical ways to remove barriers to universities and companies collaborating effectively.

The five contracts, which can be found at www.dti.gov.uk/lambertagreements, have been agreed between leading groups representing universities and industry. They cover a range of intellectual property ownership, exploitation of results and licensing rights issues that both universities and companies, particularly SMEs, can confidently use as a basis for fair and transparent contractual arrangements.

The contracts were drawn up by the Lambert Working Group on Intellectual Property - key stakeholders with a strong interest in business-university collaboration - including AURIL (the Association for University Research and Industry Links), CBI (Confederation of British Industry), the DTI through the SBS (Small Business Service) and the Patent Office.

AURIL will be running a workshop on Lambert Model Contracts in association with Heriot-Watt University. The workshop will by given by Christine Reid from Manches (who also sits on the Lambert Inner Working Group) on Wednesday 27 April 2005 at 2 pm.

For full details, contact Lorna Maclean, IRC Scotland at lmaclean@targeting innovation.com