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2009 HHMI EARLY CAREER SCIENTIST COMPETITION
Q&A: Research Collaborations and Consultancies
I understand that HHMI policy does not allow company-sponsored research in HHMI laboratories. As an HHMI early career scientist, could I still work with a company on a research project?
HHMI early career scientists can collaborate with companies on an unfunded basis. We strongly encourage such collaborations as long as they are driven by scientific considerations and the company is making a direct and substantial scientific contribution to the joint project. Collaborations with companies must be documented by an agreement that has been reviewed by HHMI's Office of the General Counsel and approved by the Science Department. Please note that an early career scientist may not consult for and collaborate with a company at the same time.
Can I be appointed as an HHMI early career scientist if I have company-sponsored research in my laboratory?
No. Your company-sponsored research would have to be terminated before you could be appointed as an early career scientist.
What about collaborations with my academic colleagues? Do I have to make any changes in these in order to be appointed as an HHMI early career scientist?
It is very likely no changes would need to be made unless you have a significant scientific collaboration with an academic colleague who receives company funding for that research. If you are successful in this competition, we would need to discuss any such situation with you.
As an HHMI early career scientist, can I consult for a company?
Yes, provided that
- You meet the requirement that 75 percent of your time is devoted to the direct conduct of research.
- You do not consult for companies for more than a total of 36 days per year.
- Your compensation for the consulting is not based on incentives such as the company's meeting specified sales or revenue targets.
- Your consulting is covered by an agreement that has been reviewed by HHMI's Office of the General Counsel and formally approved by HHMI's Science Department.
- You provide advice only and do not conduct or oversee research.
- You do not own a significant equity interest in the company. An interest of more than 5 percent is always considered significant.
- You do not collaborate with the company.
Please also note that service as a member of a company's board of directors is only permitted in limited circumstances, and service as an officer of a company is never permitted.
What about consulting for a nonprofit organization?
Consulting arrangements with nonprofit entities do not need to be reviewed by HHMI if
- The arrangements are not in writing or
- They are in writing but cover only basic terms such as the scope of duties, time commitment, and amount of compensation, if any.
If a nonprofit organization asks you to sign an agreement that asserts rights or imposes limitations that may affect your laboratory operations, research results, or ability to publish, HHMI will need to review and approve the agreement before you sign. This consulting does not count against the 36-day limit, but would have to be taken into account as part of the 25 percent of your time permitted by HHMI policies for nonresearch activities.
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