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  1. Academic MOUs

MOU 225-13-002

MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION (FDA)
Center of Drug Evaluation and Research Office of Translational Sciences
AND
President and Fellows of Harvard College,
on behalf of the Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health (HCSPH)

I. Purpose

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health (HCSPH) (the Parties) share interests in promoting scientific progress through exchange of scientific capital in the areas of public health and regulatory research.  Both institutions foresee benefits from the mutual exchange of training and research expertise that will enhance the regulatory review and post-marketing surveillance processes at the FDA. This Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) establishes the terms for collaboration to promote these shared interests, which can be pursued through a variety of programs including collaborative education and research.

II. Background

FDA is authorized to enforce the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (the Act) as amended (21 U.S.C. 301, et seq.). In fulfilling its responsibilities under the Act, FDA, among other things, directs its activities toward promoting and protecting the public health by assuring the safety, efficacy, and security of drugs, veterinary products, medical devices and radiological products and the safety and security of foods, dietary supplements, and cosmetics. FDA also has responsibility for regulating the manufacturing, marketing and distribution of tobacco products to protect the public health and to reduce tobacco use by minors. To accomplish its mission, FDA must stay abreast of the latest developments in research and communicate with stakeholders about complex scientific and public health issues. Increased development of research, education and. outreach partnerships within the HCSPH will greatly contribute to FDA's mission.

HCSPH is one of the world's most important centers of research and at the same time is a distinctive and distinguished site of learning for undergraduates and graduate students in many fields, including public health and medical research. It seeks to attract a diverse and international faculty and student body, to support research and teaching on global issues, and to create academic relationships with many countries and regions. It assists all areas of the university to advance knowledge and learning at the highest level and to convey the products of its efforts to the world.

III. Substance of Agreement:

This MOU is an outline for development of scientific collaborations, outreach and educational initiatives and intellectual partnerships between FDA and HCSPH. The types of initiatives the parties hope to develop from this MOU include:

  1. Advancing student education and matriculation into the health and biomedical science professions.
  2. Opportunities to convene joint meetings for education and research;
  3. Research collaborations;
  4. Cooperative international initiatives; and
  5. Access to unique facilities and equipment for scientific endeavors.

Under this MOU, FDA and HCSPH will seek opportunities to participate together in collaborative research and training as permitted under appropriate statutory authority. Before any specific collaboration is initiated or implemented, the Parties shall identify priorities, topics of mutual interest, and develop separate, written agreements for collaboration and sharing of resources. Where applicable, these agreements shall incorporate by reference this MOU. FDA may enter into a contract, grant or cooperative agreement with HCSPH to the extent authorized by law and available appropriations. The terms and conditions of any such awards will be in accordance with applicable federal law and regulations, and shall be negotiated and executed by appropriate representatives of HCSPH and FDA.

IV. General Provisions:

  1. Rights to any inventions resulting from collaborative research will be determined by the separate written research agreements governing the effort, based on current U.S. Government patent regulations and any other applicable statutes and regulations.
  2. Institutions within HCSPH and FDA may decide to enter into Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADA) specific to particular collaborative projects. The terms of such CRADAs will address Intellectual Property rights.
  3. Proprietary and/or nonpublic information will not be disclosed under this MOU or any separate research agreements entered into pursuant to the MOU, unless such disclosure is governed by appropriate confidentiality disclosure agreements or to the extent such disclosure is permitted by law.
  4. Each Party will comply with the other Party's security procedures and policies regarding access to and use of facilities. Either Party may restrict or limit access to its property and facilities at any time and for any reason. HCSPH individuals participating in activities under this MOU on FDA property will comply with all applicable federal statutes and regulations.
  5. It is recognized that from time to time FDA and institutions within HCSPH may be sharing in expenses and may require compensation of either Party by the other. As research projects are developed, details of how costs are to be shared will be agreed to in advance under other contractual mechanisms as appropriate and in compliance with all applicable federal requirements.
  6. Neither party shall issue any public announcement or press release about this MOU except with the written approval of the other party. Neither party shall otherwise use any name or trademark of the other party for any promotional purpose in connection with this MOU except with the written approval of the other party. Notwithstanding the foregoing, either party may include a brief factual description of this MOU in any customary or legally required listing or description of its activities.

V. Limited Obligations:

This MOU represents the broad outline of the FDA and HCSPH's intent to collaborate in areas of mutual interest. All activities that may be undertaken by this MOU are subject to the availability of personnel, resources, and funds. This MOU does not create binding, enforceable obligations against any Party. This MOU does not affect or supersede any existing or future agreements or arrangements among the Parties and does not affect the ability of the Parties to enter other agreements or arrangements related to this MOU.

VI. Liaison Officers:

A. For the Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health {HCSPH):

Individual's name: Xihong Lin, Ph.D.
Organization: Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health Title: Chair, Department of Biostatistics
Address: 655 Huntington Avenue,
Building 2, 4th  Floor, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
Telephone Number: (V) 617.432.1056

B. For the Food and Drug Administration:

Individual's name: Scott N. Goldie, Ph.D.
Organization: Center of Drug Evaluation and Research
Office of Translational Sciences Office of Biostatistics
Title: General Health Scientist (Special Assistant)
Address: I0903 New Hampshire Avenue Building 2 l Room 3557,
Silver Spring, MD 20993 Telephone Number: V: 301.796.2055 F: 301.796.9747
Each Party may designate new liaisons at any time by notifying the other Party's administrative liaison in writing. If, at any time, an individual designated as a liaison under this agreement becomes unavailable to fulfill those functions, the Parties will name a new liaison within 2 weeks and notify the other Party through the designated administrative liaison.

VII. Term, Termination, and Modification:

This agreement will be effective when accepted by the parties and shall have a term of three (3) years. This agreement may be modified or terminated by mutual written consent by the parties or may be terminated by either party upon 90 days' advance written notice to the other.

VIII. Statutes. Regulations. Rules, and Policies

This MOU and all associated agreements will be subject to the applicable statutes, regulations, rules, and policies under which FDA, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health (HCSPH), and the institutions within Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health (HCSPH) operate.

 
APPROVED AND ACCEPTED FOR
Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health (HCSPH)
By: Xihong Lin, Ph.D.
Title: Chair, Department of Biostatistics

Date: January 15, 2018      
 
APPROVED AND ACCEPTED FOR FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION
By Janet Woodcock, MD
Title: Director, CDER, FDA

Date: January 18, 2018

 

 
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