Updated research FAQs: research contracts
25 Mar 2020
Frequently asked questions will be updated regularly
This advice is correct at the time of publication of this news article.
If you have health concerns then you should refer to the NHS website as recommended by Public Health England, however to make other queries regarding the current situation you can email coronavirus-info@manchester.ac.uk.
We will be updating the staff frequently asked questions on a regular basis.
The latest questions are:
I have a research contract with an industry partner, what will happen if I can’t continue to conduct the work?
Despite our best efforts at mitigation and putting in place the appropriate remedial measures, the current situation will have a major impact on a significant number of the University’s research activities over the coming months. Most contracts have terms and conditions which deal with the legal position should work be suspended, however, each situation will be unique to the circumstances and will be dependent on how much work can continue to be delivered and the duration of the suspension.
Academic staff, researchers and postgraduate research students should keep clear records of how work planned for the coming months has been affected and the impact on your research productivity, outputs and financial expenditure. If you are concerned about your contracts, please contact the relevant Contracts Officer or Contracts Manager for advice.
I have a research contract that needs an authorised signature, will it still be signed?
Arrangements are in place to ensure contracts are continuing to be signed, please continue to liaise with the relevant Contracts Officer or Contracts Manager for advice.
I have a subcontractor who requires urgent payment, what should I do?
Presuming this is in line with the subcontract (eg. the work has been completed and it is in line with the payment schedule), please ensure your subcontractor sends the invoice electronically to the email address in the agreement with all the relevant supporting documentation and this will be paid as per normal processes.