Research Inventory System
Log In to Research Inventory System (RIS)
About RIS
What is RIS?
While PennERA is the system of record for projects involving sponsored research at the University, the Research Inventory System (RIS) is the system for agreements that don’t typically involve funding (i.e. Material Transfer Agreements and Collaboration Agreements) or the funding is leaving the University (i.e. Subawards).
Agreement Types
The following chart explains different types of agreements handled through RIS.
| Agreement Type | Purpose of Agreement | When is it Used | Where is it requested? |
|---|---|---|---|
| MTA | Research materials (including software and biomaterials) | When sending university-owned material to an outside party, or when receiving material from an outside party requiring an agreement | MTA/NMA module |
| DUA/DTUA | Data (full PHI, limited data set (LDS), or de-identified) | When sending or receiving data which must be protected | MTA/NMA module |
| Collaborative Research Agreement (CRA) | The roles and responsibilities of parties involved in un-funded research activities. May also include data, materials, and Confidential Information | When two or more parties wish to engage in research activities without a funding agreement | MTA/NMA module |
| CDA/NDA | Confidential / proprietary information | When sharing information for a specific purpose which is not to be shared outside of the scope of that purpose | MTA/NMA module |
| Fee-for-Service | Provision of services for the benefit of the pass-through entity in exchange for funds | When a service is being provided for research activities without significant intellectual input into that research | Fee-for-Service module (if Penn is doing the work); Subaward module (if Penn is paying for the work) |
| Equipment Loan Agreement | Physical transfer of tangible research equipment from one entity to another | When sending or receiving tangible equipment to an Outside Party for testing and evaluation and/or instructional purposes. | MTA/NMA module |
| Subaward (outgoing) | Transfer of sponsored research funds, passing through Penn, for completion of a portion of an approved scope of work | When a 5-fund will be used to fund an outside party’s collaboration on a sponsored project | Subaward module |
In addition to the above agreement types, RIS is also used for the University’s Stem Cell Registry and for requesting Cadaver and Recognizable Human Body Parts, which are both managed outside of the Office of Research Services.
Once an agreement is entered into RIS it will be assigned to a negotiator in the appropriate University office:
- If an external collaborator, agreement is assigned to a Penn negotiator
- If a non-profit partner, agreement is assigned to ORS
- If a non-clinical commercial/industry partner, agreement is assigned to the Penn Center for Innovation
- If a clinical commercial/industry partner, agreement is assigned to the clinical trial contracting unit.
Questions & Support
Please send MTA/NMA questions or comments to ri_mta_help@lists.upenn.edu, stem cell registry questions or comments to ri_cell_help@lists.upenn.edu, and cadaver/recognizable body parts questions or comments to ri_cadaver_help@lists.upenn.edu, and subaward questions or comments to subaward@upenn.edu Please do not include confidential information in your e-mail.