Collaboration

Introduction

Foreign collaborators play a crucial role in STCU projects by bringing outside expertise and experience and - particularly, in case of weapons scientists at formerly closed facilities - by providing personal contact with the broader world of civilian science. Moreover, foreign collaborators are often more aware of recent developments in applied science and technology of the type which have direct commercial applications; in short, they often have a better appreciation of the high-tech marketplace and therefore, in many instances can act as a bridge between basic R&D and business needs. For these reasons, STCU strongly encourages Ukrainian, Georgian, Uzbek and Azerbaijanian scientists to develop their proposals working with a foreign collaborator.

Main Objectives of Collaboration

• Help integrate scientists from Ukraine, Georgia, Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan into the international scientific community
• Foster self-sustaining civilian activities of Ukrainian, Georgian, Uzbek and Azerbaijanian former weapon scientists
• Familiarize foreign organizations with unique Ukrainian, Georgian, Uzbek and Azerbaijanian science and research
• Offer project advice and assistance.

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 STCU grants, but in certain cases, upon request, the collaborator may participate in separate project-related activities supported by the STCU, such as training courses, specialized seminars, workshops, project technical monitoring, etc.
• No agreement is 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

Organization of Collaboration

• It is recommended that joint activities be bilaterally agreed upon in writing; any provisions of such an agreement must be consistent with the project obligations between the STCU and Ukrainian, Georgian, Uzbek and Azerbaijanian participants
• It is recommended that joint workshops be organized regularly for progress tracking and discussion of next steps. If Ukrainian, Georgian, Uzbek and Azerbaijanian participants intend to share any confidential information with collaborator (s), they should arrange the appropriate procedures on a bilateral basis that are consistent with the Project Agreement between the STCU and Ukrainian, Georgian, Uzbek and Azerbaijanian 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 with the STCU and Project Manager
• 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

Benefits of Collaboration

Benefits of Collaboration for Project Participants

• Improvement in the design and execution of projects;
• Assurance that projects do not duplicate efforts in the same fields;
• Assistance in identifying appropriate sources of special materials and equipment to be used in projects;
• Gain new skills, experience and contacts with related research centers in other countries;
• 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

Benefits for collaborator

• Contact with high-level and highly-skilled Ukrainian, Georgian, Uzbek and Azerbaijan scientists and engineers;
• Participation in experiments at unique installations and facilities;
• Early access to results arising from STCU Projects, while protecting the IPR rights of project participants;
• Improved focus and efficiency of R&D activity through information exchange and consultation;
• Potential partnership in any future commercialization of results

Tips for letters of endorsement from collaborator

• Introduce yourself.
• Define your experience in the field of the project.
• Explain your interest to the project.
• Analyze the content of the project and potential for commercialization.
• Identify possible ways of collaboration.
• Give your proposals and ideas.

Write a Letter of Recommendation

Ways of Collaboration

• Participation in the development of project proposal and work plan
• Participate in project site visits arranged through the STCU
• Help host project personnel visits to the USA/EU/Canada
• Exchange of information during project implementation
• Mutual review of technical reports
• Provide recommendations on the implementation and direction of the work to ensure that the project goals, as set out in the work plan, are met
• Joint seminars, workshops, meetings, consultations
• Verification of results using independent methods and/or equipment
• Sharing of scarce materials, samples, resources, and provide any technical assistance, as required
• Joint or parallel investigations
• Look into the possibility of commercialization of the products d eveloped or discovered by the project
• Provide leadership/guidance for future expansions of the project results
• Other types of collaboration are possible

FAQ

Question: Who may become a collaborator?
Answer: 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 STCU Agreement which provide funding for the project.
Procedure: The prospective collaborator sends to the STCU Executive Director a letter which outlines the forms of collaboration and indicates acceptance of STCU goals.

Question: How to begin collaboration?
Answer: It is recommended that the Project Manager send an unrestricted project summary (or more detailed project information) to a potential collaborator including information on STCU activities (a standard information package can be provided by the STCU Secretariat). In this letter the Project Manager could propose that an organization/individual become a collaborator, specifying possible areas for collaboration.

Question: How to find a collaborator?
Answer: It is recommended that the Project Manager: a) search numerous Internet databases, including the STCU home page (http://www.stcu.int/); b) correspond with authors of publications and conference reports; c) attend international conferences and exhibitions; d) consult with STCU Partnership Group, Project Coordinators, and other staff members experienced in establishing cooperation with international institutions.

Question: My question is not in this list and is not answered in the announcement. What should I do?
Answer: Send e-mail to help@stcu.int