Morgan Cole has helped develop a breakthrough contract template for research scientists, making it easier and more secure to share data and biological samples. Morgan Cole advised on this joint initiative for The National Cancer Research Institute (NCRI), National Cancer Intelligence Network (NCIN) and onCore UK.

The agreement forms part of a "how-to" guide for custodians of databases and biobanks to assist them in developing their own policies for deciding on how to grant other researchers access to important research resources they hold. It aims to reduce unnecessary duplication of data and sample collection by sharing more effectively. This in turn will help to ensure that public money and charitable funds are used in the most efficient way. The template is written so that each organisation can adopt or adapt points that are relevant to their circumstances, ensuring that any policy developed, reflects best practice in a consistent manner.

Dr Brian Clark, chief executive of onCore UK said of Morgan Cole’s involvement: "It became clear that we needed a model Material Transfer Agreement. To assist us with this we turned to Morgan Cole where Darren Curtis and the team quickly understood our needs and the potential contribution this could make to the research community. Darren quickly and expertly drafted an accessible and flexible model agreement based on the principles reflected in the template policy document. This entire document has since been reviewed by several key regulators in our field who have indicated that the template policy and the MTA are appropriate and useful contributions to the field."

Darren Curtis from Morgan Cole says: "The template will help them to ensure that their data and sample sharing policies are legal, ethical and effective. We’re looking forward to hearing what the take up is and the reaction from researchers."

Although organisations can modify the terms in the template to suit their needs, greater consistency between access policies will help to encourage researchers to share samples and data with the confidence that they do so in a way that is consistent with regulatory requirements.

The guide will also help to ensure that researchers seek informed consent when collecting data and samples, so that they can be securely shared with other researchers at a later date, if desired.

Dr Brian Clark, chief executive of onCore UK, said:"This template will be a very welcome tool for those running biobanks. It has helped onCore UK develop its own Access Policy and will be useful when advising others in the field to develop or revise their own policies. It is clearly written, easy to use and authoritatively deals with the issues that must be considered when providing access to samples and data. Furthermore, having been prepared after wide consultation it reflects a broad consensus of opinion and current best practice."

The NCRI are looking for organisations to pilot use of the template and give feedback on it, so that it can be improved in the light of experience. It will also be updated in response to any regulatory changes.