Data Use Agreement

Subject to change, Last Revision: 04/26/2024

Overview

A contractual document used for the transfer of data that has been developed by nonprofit, government, or private industry, where the data is nonpublic or is otherwise subject to some restrictions on its use. Must work with appropriate IT departments to make sure data is secured according to the Ohio State data policy.

Important Notes

Ohio State faculty and staff employees cannot sign any agreement with legally binding terms and conditions on behalf of the university. Any such agreement must be set up as a contract between the outside institution or company and Ohio State and signed by a university official who has delegated signature authority to bind Ohio State to the terms.

Sponsored research refers to any research activity sponsored or funded by an external organization, including federal, state, or private organizations, for purposes of conducting research.

Each agreement is unique meaning processing time can vary depending on:

• complexity of the agreement
• background university IP
• number of parties involved
• compliance protocol requirements (may include but may not be limited to: animal care and use, HIPPA, human subject testing, export control, financial conflict of interest, or specific federal funding requirements)
• whether the agreement contains language that deviates from Ohio State’s approved terms and conditions, requiring additional institutional review

Download the data use agreement flowchart