Convene Relevant Parties

Once interest is expressed by a potential partner or by Duke faculty, OEP then convenes relevant parties to explore, negotiate, and close contractual relationships deemed mutually beneficial and compliant with pertinent regulations and Duke policies and provide project management support.

While faculty, staff, or students can initiate dialogue directly with companies, OEP offers several services when developing and executing on partnerships:

• Strategic advice to build a comprehensive partnership
• Research and report on the historical connections between the company and Duke
• Make contacts with relevant leadership at partner organization
• Logistical support for arranging meetings, contracting, and negotiation
• Interfacing with the Office for Translation & Commercialization (OTC) for intellectual property and Office for Research Contracts (ORC) to establish and review partnership terms
• Project manager support to facilitate development of scope of work, meeting milestones, preparing reports and overseeing budgets

Irrespective of support from OEP, faculty and staff are obliged to utilize Duke contracting processes and inform us of such engagements unless the proposed relationship is unrelated to Duke employment or facilities.

Liaise With Other Duke Administrative Units

Our team also liaises continuously with other Duke administrative units, especially with Development in relation to corporate philanthropy, Translation and Commercialization for licensing and start-ups, and with Student and Alumni Affairs in relation to opportunities for internships and employment.