Don't miss the premier sponsored research contracting forum, led by professionals from both academia and industry!

The UIDP Contracting Forum 2026 is the optimal confluence of university and industry pros sharing bold new approaches and contemporary solutions to university-industry contracting challenges. Over two incredible days, gain focused expertise on intermediate and advanced issues in industry-sponsored research agreements. You’ll play an active role in candid, productive conversations on topics ranging from data issues to intellectual property and have the opportunity to ask anything about current challenges in contracting.

Sessions will not be recorded or available virtually, so plan to be there to get the most out of incredible discussions with your peers. Sessions are targeted at experienced corporate and academic representatives with advanced skills in identifying, assessing, reviewing, negotiating, or managing university-company research contracts.

Together, the discussions span the full spectrum of contemporary contracting practice, from intellectual property strategies and data use to operational efficiency, regulatory impacts, and the integration of AI. 

The Forum is where experienced practitioners connect, exchange insights, and strengthen the networks that sustain university–industry partnerships.

Why Attend UIDP Contracting Forum 2026!

ENGAGE. Connect with professionals from academia and industry through networking, collaboration, and candid conversations on emerging approaches in research agreements.

SOLVE. Gain practical, actionable insights in an environment designed to address contracting challenges and identify strategies that work for your organization.

ADVANCE. Deepen contracting knowledge with sessions focused on intermediate and advanced topics to help navigate complex issues in industry-sponsored research.

STAY AHEAD. Explore contemporary solutions to emerging challenges and position your organization at the forefront of research contracting.

What people are saying about the Contracting Forum

The forum's format is specifically designed to promote dialogue, idea exchange, and the formation of lasting professional connections among experienced corporate and academic representatives with advanced skills in identifying, assessing, reviewing, negotiating, and managing university-company research contracts. Sessions will not be recorded, and the meeting will operate under the Chatham House Rule.

Registration is required and subject to approval. Seating is limited.

Meet the Steering Committee

This forum benefits from the advice and guidance of an international group of contracting experts who possess significant skills and experience in this area. Members of the steering committee include:
 

• Elizabeth Adams, Princeton University (Co-chair)
• Charles Adelsheim, Varian (Co-chair)
• Rajni Aneja, Cornell University
• Robin Beach, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
• Chris Brandt, Kansas State University
• Elaine Brock, UIDP
• Julia Carvalho, McGill University
• Dakota Freeze, Intel
• Jilda Garton, UIDP
• Erin Hall, MIT

• Sophia Herbert-Peterson, Georgia Institute of Technology
• Eugene Hsue, University of Pennsylvania
• David Lorenz, BASF
• Catlan McCurdy, McCurdy Laud
• Laura Nielsen, GM
• Anne Ochiai, Princeton University
• Benjamin Tiller, University of Wisconsin, Madison
• Julie Valee, McGill University
• Erin Windibank, University of Waterloo
• Kevin Wozniak, COGR

The UIDP Contracting Forum is organized in collaboration with site host:

Thank you to our sponsors:

Sponsor UIDP Contracting Forum 2026

Organizations can increase their visibility within the UIDP community by sponsoring our conferences, workshops, webinars, and other educational programming.  Contact us.

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