The success of the Center depends on the quality of the participating scientists, graduate students, technical support and research facilities. Texas A&M University is fortunate to have well-trained scientists and excellent facilities. There are, however, limited funds available for graduate students, technical support, labor maintenance and the continuous need for upgrading laboratory equipment. Three cost-sharing opportunities provide resources for funding Center programs: an endowment fund, membership (university/industry consortium) and grants/contracts.
Endowment Fund
Several individuals and companies are creating a permanent endowment fund
to provide a base for long-term commitment to research in the Center. The goal
is to endow $3 million into a fund providing a continuous source of funding
for graduate assistantships, postdoctoral fellowships and other high priority
needs.
Membership
Businesses, organizations and individuals may join into cooperative research
with the Center by becoming members. Annual membership fees are based on the
role and size of the potential member. The membership will be free of any indirect
costs and provides for one individual from each member organization to participate
in the advisory committee. Memberships to seed companies provide access for
evaluating breeding lines or experimental varieties/hybrids and to provide licensing
opportunities for utilization of developments. This benefit starts at the beginning
of their membership and continues as long as their membership is in good standing.
Members who become license holders of developments will pay royalties according
to established TAES policy.
Members receive credit against royalties for their membership dues in the amount of $10,000 per year once their royalties reach $10,000 per year. An example is as follows: Company A reaches sales or uses a variety that creates royalties of $20,000. Company A pays $10,000 membership to the Center and $10,000 in royalties to TAES.
Membership status is available to all companies who wish to utilize new vegetable improvement through partnerships developed between the Center and their organizations. Other companies providing goods or services to the produce industry may join the Center to support research directed to the overall growth of the produce industry. Membership fees are based on company sales. Each industry membership is covered by a memorandum of agreement with the TAES.
With today's fast-paced science,
researchers often find it advantageous to work temporarily in laboratories where
new, innovative techniques can be learned. Member companies are invited to place
their researchers in Center laboratories (with institutional consent and mutual
agreement on support).* These visiting scientists follow established policies,
with provisions to explore new technologies, evaluate materials and other activities
that would benefit the Center and the participating member. This type of collaboration
will facilitate more rapid technology transfer with mutual sharing of research
findings while providing an excellent interaction between companies, students
and faculty.
Grants and Contracts
Members may sponsor specific research with scientists within or separate
from the Center structure. All grant or contract agreements are made between
companies, associations or individuals and the scientists. These agreements
are administered through the TAES including indirect cost requirements. Memoranda
of agreement are prepared prior to the start of each project, outlining the
expectations of all parties and considerations of proprietary rights.
Member companies or the TAES may sometimes find it necessary to exchange confidential information. Either party may request confidential consideration through disclosure agreements. All information subject to confidentiality is made in writing and clearly identified as 'confidential' in advance. Terms and provisions for confidential treatment are negotiated, based on case-by-case needs. The TAES is subject to the same obligations as corporate members.