Understanding the Material Transfer Process
What is a Material Transfer Agreement (MTA)?
A Material Transfer Agreement (MTA) is a legal document. It helps researchers send or receive research materials like cell lines, chemicals, data, or tissue samples. The MTA explains:
- Who owns the material
- How the material can be used
- Whether research results can be published
- How safety and legal rules will be followed
What is the Role of the Office for Innovation & Commercialization (OIC)?
The Office for Innovation & Commercialization (OIC) helps faculty and researchers with all incoming and outgoing material transfers.
OIC makes sure:
- All necessary documentation is completed
- Legal protections are in place
- Research meets LSU Health Shreveport and federal requirements
To begin, fill out a Material Transfer Initiation Form
Incoming Material Transfer Form Outgoing Material Transfer Form
► You must complete this form even if the other party does not require an MTA. This helps OIC confirm your research is compliant with IBC, IRB, and IACUC regulations.
Compliance Review: What Approvals Do You Need?
Before OIC can approve any incoming MTA, your project may need one or more of these approvals:
- IRB (Institutional Review Board) – if you use human tissue or data Institutional Review Board
(IRB - LSUHS Employees) | Institutional Review Board at LSU Health Shreveport - IACUC (Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee) – if you use animal materials Animal Care Committee
(IACUC - LSUHS employees) - IBC (Institutional Biosafety Committee) – if you use anything hazardous or recombinant genetic materials.
(IBC - LSUHS Employees)
Make sure your approvals are active before sending the form to OIC. OIC cannot finalize any agreement until these approvals are confirmed. We may review or draft the agreement in advance, but we will not send out for signature authorization and execution until you receive all approvals.