Information for University Partners

Georgia Southern University is the state’s largest and most comprehensive institution of higher education outside of the Atlanta metroplex. It serves more than 26,000 students through eight colleges, which offer 138 degree programs at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral levels. The university’s footprint spans Southeastern Georgia with three campuses in Savannah, Statesboro, and Hinesville. As a Carnegie Doctoral/R2 institution engaged in a public impact research mission, Georgia Southern received over $12 million in research funding and contributed more than $1 billion to the regional economy in 2019.  The university welcomes the opportunity to work with external partners.

To help prospective partners better understand the Georgia Southern research environment, general information concerning university-private partnerships is outlined below.  Additional research development information may be obtained by reaching out to the Office of Research (ResDev@georgiasouthern.edu). 

Fundamental Research and 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 and 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.

Last updated: 11/18/2022