B The next part of the email identifies some key issues and offers advice on them. Match the headings (A-E) to the extracts (1-5).

Date: 2015-10-07; view: 492.

A Read the beginning of the email sent to members of a laboratory. Then in pairs, answer the questions below.

To: Nguyen Thanh Binh, Marc Fiedler, Tasha Doran, Pardip Johal ...

From: Liam Sands

Subject: Re: Technology Transfer – a reminder

Dear all,

Sooner or later, issues of Technology Transfer (sharing and using discoveries, inventions, materials, data etc.) will become important in your research career. Protecting your work from competitors and, where appropriate, making it attractive to the commercial setor will be important during your career as a professional scientist. What are the key issues that you must think about?

1 What is the purpose of the email?

2 What kind of discoveries, inventions, materials and data might you share with other scientists in your field?

3 What do you think are the key issues of technology transfer?

A Huh??? What do I do now?? D Your research is valuable – to others!

B Always read the small print! E Who, me?

C Look out! There may be a thief about!

1 __________

Sooner or later someone in your field is going to ask you for some materials. Never send out any material without first checking if a Material Transfer Agreement (MTA) is needed.

2 __________

Don't leave sensitive information, notebooks, etc. open on your desk or in unlocked rooms at the end of the day. You never know who might be in the building ...

3 __________

If you request materials from another lab, you will probably be asked for an MTA to sign. Not all MTAs are the same (some say ‘we claim ownership of everything developed in your lab') so read carefully before signing and always ask if you're not sure.

4 __________

Yes, you! Your research may have a commercial application. Always talk possible applications over with your supervisor or division head / director before you publish.

5 __________

If you are still none the wiser, or unsure about any of the issues in this email, please talk to your group leader or contact me (Liam Sands) at the Technology Transfer Office.