Each person performing research at Harvard should sign either the Harvard University Participation Agreement (PA) or Visitor Participation Agreement (VPA), as applicable. For information on who should sign which form, see the PA and VPA Guidance.

Participation Agreement (PA)

Individuals who perform research at Harvard and/or who may create intellectual property through the use of Harvard resources are subject to certain University policies and, in some cases, to the terms of agreements between Harvard and third parties (e.g., other institutions, organizations or companies).  Such policies cover, for example, the ethical conduct of research, publication of research results, retention of research records and handling of intellectual property.  Among these policies is the University’s “Statement of Policy in Regard to Intellectual Property” (or “IP Policy”), which governs patentable inventions, copyrightable works and tangible materials made through the use of funds, facilities or other resources provided by or through Harvard.  

Each person performing research at Harvard should sign either the Participation Agreement or the Visitor Participation Agreement as applicable.

• Electronically sign the Participation Agreement
• Intellectual Property Policy
• Acknowledgement of Risk and Release for Non-Harvard Personnel Using Harvard Research and Instructional Laboratory Facilities

Vistor Participation Agreement (VPA)

Harvard’s research policies cover all individuals who perform work under the University’s auspices, including visitors.  Thus, in addition to the Participation Agreement, there are several types of Visitor Participation Agreements (VPAs). Select the appropriate type of VPA from the list provided below. Once signed, the Visitor Participation Agreement should be scanned and linked to the visitor’s personnel record in GMAS.  If no such record exists (i.e., if the visitor will not receive an appointment with a Harvard ID number and card), you may wish to create one for the limited purpose of archiving the Visitor PA, so that it can be retrieved when needed.

Because visitors may be differently situated with respect to pre-existing obligations that may relate to their research, alternative forms of the Visitor PA, as described and made available for download below, have been designed to accommodate their various needs, depending on the type of organization, if any, from which they are visiting Harvard. 

Click on the Visitor type that best describes your visitor for the appropriate form: