Can I, as a Principal Investigator (PI), sign my research agreement on behalf of the University?

No, all research contracts vetted by ORKTS Contracts Team shall be signed by ORKTS Director (or Acting Director in applicable cases) on behalf of the University as the authorized signatory. Execution by any person other than the University’s authorized signatory will render the contract invalid and/or even give rise to personal liability.

For some kind of research contracts such as a non-disclosure agreement (NDA), PIs may need to sign on the agreement too – but in the capacity of the project’s principal investigator (and not on behalf of the University).

The ORKTS Contracts Team will give you proper guidance during the contract execution stage.