Material Transfer Agreement

A Material Transfer Agreement (MTA) is a contract that addresses intellectual property rights, liability issues that may result from the research, publication of research results, and limitation of use issues. At the University of New Mexico, Health Sciences Center, MTAs are required for any incoming or outgoing materials.

Below, we answer some of the most commonly asked questions regarding Material Transfer Agreements (MTAs). If you have a question that is not addressed below, please contact Stacy Bigbie at (505) 272-9448, or e-mail her at scatanach@salud.unm.edu.

MTA Q&A

What is a Material Transfer Agreement (MTA)?

Material Transfer Agreements (MTA) are short contracts governing the transfer of tangible research property (most often biological materials) for research use.

Who Should I Contact About MTAs?

Complete an Incoming MTA Questionnaire or an Outgoing MTA Questionnaire (depending on your circumstance) and e-mail it to Pre Award (preferred), or mail it to MSC09 5220. For incoming materials, send the providing institution's MTA, preferably in MS Word format.

Who Signs MTAs?

For the Health Science Center, Dr. Richard Larson, M.D., Ph.D., Vice President for Research is the authorized signatory.

Why are MTAs Important?

MTAs are important because they protect the rights of both parties. They govern issues such as:

Ownership of materials and ownership of any modifications or derivatives made by the recipient.
Limits on the use of the materials by the recipient and related liability.
Rights to inventions resulting from the use of the materials.
Rights to publish research obtained through the use of the materials.

MTA Procedures

For INCOMING MTAs:

Please fill out the Incoming MTA Questionnaire

Understanding the Incoming MTA Questionnaire

Incoming MTAs govern the transfer of material from another organization to UNM HSC. Many companies and non-profit organizations ("providers") require an MTA before they will share their materials. Incoming MTAs, especially from companies, are getting more complex and require negotiation of IP terms, publication delays, etc.

For OUTGOING MTAs:

Please fill out the Outgoing MTA Questionnaire

Understanding the Outgoing MTA Questionnaire

Outgoing MTAs govern the transfer of material from UNMHSC to another organization. Whenever appropriate, UNMHSC uses the Uniform Biological Material Transfer Agreement (UBMTA), published by the National Institutes of Health NIH on March 8, 1995.