University Research in the Region
Georgia Southern University is committed to actively engage corporations and industries to provide expertise and business solutions in today’s knowledge-driven economy. The University and our faculty researchers and scholars are uniquely positioned to provide superior expertise and services to support the diverse needs of industry partners.
With a focus on service, the Office of Vice Provost for Research and Scholarship acts as the Institution’s representative in pursuing partnerships and collaborative agreements with all entities outside the University, and makes it easy for companies to receive the attention and resources they need to achieve their business goals. The office serves our faculty, students, alumni, and corporate and community partners by fostering connections to the programs, services, and networks that support innovation and economic growth, both within and outside the University, and we welcome the opportunity to discuss collaborative research and scholarship pursuits that can advance the mission of Georgia Southern University while also advancing corporate strategies.
The University has many academic and administrative divisions, independent laboratories and numerous centers and institute that provide services to business and industry partners. Contact the Office of Vice Provost for Research and Scholarship for assistance with business solutions and the development of industry collaborations.
Partnering with Georgia Southern University
At Georgia Southern University, our commitment to impactful research and innovation drives us to forge strong, mutually beneficial partnerships with industry leaders, nonprofits, and other academic institutions. We’re dedicated to advancing knowledge, addressing real-world challenges, and creating positive community impact through collaborative efforts.
Our partners benefit from access to state-of-the-art facilities, groundbreaking research, and a talented pool of students and faculty experts who bring fresh perspectives and innovative solutions. Whether you’re looking to conduct cutting-edge research, develop new technologies, or engage in community-focused projects, our Office of Research supports every step of the partnership process, ensuring alignment with university policies and offering guidance on compliance.
Key Partnership Areas:
- Sponsored Research: Collaborate with us to address complex challenges in fields like health, engineering, education, and more.
- Internships and Experiential Learning: Connect with driven students ready to apply their knowledge to hands-on projects in your organization.
- Technology Transfer and Commercialization: Tap into our expertise in intellectual property to bring new discoveries from the lab to market.
Our team is here to make the process seamless, from initial discussions to project execution and beyond. Learn how a partnership with Georgia Southern can amplify your mission, drive innovation, and create lasting value.
Fundamental Research & Publication
Georgia Southern primarily engages in fundamental research in science, engineering, and computer technology fields, the results of which are published and shared broadly within the scientific community. A project is considered to be fundamental research if there are no restrictions on the researcher’s ability to publish or disseminate the results of the research, although a sponsor or research partner can ask for a short review period pre-publication to remove proprietary information and information material to a forthcoming patent application. While the University can, on occasion, administer a research project that falls outside of fundamental research, it can only do so if the project is specifically approved. The approval process may create delays, possibly significant, and the University makes no representations that a particular project will be approved.
Export Control & Classified Information
If a project may involve export controlled information, be aware that non-U.S. persons within the University may be involved in research. Therefore, clearly indicate any export-controlled information, technology, or equipment. The University reserves the right to decline to receive such information, technology, or equipment. Furthermore, the University cannot administer any projects in which controlled unclassified information (CUI) will be provided or will result. As such, if a project is federally funded and contains a DFARS 252.204-7012 clause, the university will require a written statement that CUI will not be involved in the project. Additionally, the University cannot accept a project that contains a DFARS 252.204-7000 clause. Georgia Southern University cannot accept projects with classified information.
Intellectual Property
The University is subject to an Intellectual Property Policy with regard to copyrights and inventions developed by University researchers. If your project involves a deliverable such as a report or something copyrightable, you will have full ownership of the material in most circumstances. On the other hand, unless specifically bargained for or released for business judgment reasons, the Georgia Southern University Research & Service Foundation will expect at least joint ownership of inventions conceived of and reduced to practice in whole or in part by University researchers or developed with University equipment and technology. This is to ensure a fair return to taxpayers of Georgia who subsidize the University’s resources. Industry Partners can seek an exclusive license to practice a resulting patent provided that the arrangement makes business sense and any potential conflicts of interest have been resolved.
Compliance with Georgia Open Records Act
The Article 4 of Chapter 18 of Title 50 of the Georgia Code, named “Inspection of Public Records” is commonly referred to as the Georgia Open Records Act. This Act obligates state agencies, including the University System of Georgia, to comply with requests for records held by it. Additional information on how this may impact shared information is available here.