Industry Sponsored Institute Definitions

Institute. As defined in the University of California Office of the President (UCOP) Administrative Policies and Procedures Concerning Organized Research Units or ORU/MRU Policy (1999), an institute is a major unit that coordinates and promotes faculty and student research on a continuing basis over an area so wide that it extends across department, school, or college, and even campus boundaries. The unit may also engage in public service activities stemming from its research program, within the limits of its stated objectives.

Industry Sponsored Institute or ISI. An institute funded by at least one industry sponsor under a Master Agreement, which includes a Master Sponsored Research Agreement and supports a defined area of research. In addition, in support of research, the ISI agreement funds provide for university operational and staff support, institute governance, and, in some cases, lease of university space by a sponsor.

Organized Research Unit or ORU. As defined by UCOP in 1999. An ORU is an academic unit the university has established to provide a supportive infrastructure for interdisciplinary research complementary to departments' academic goals of instruction and research. The functions of an ORU are to facilitate research and research collaborations; disseminate research results through research conferences, meetings, and other activities; strengthen graduate and undergraduate education by providing students with training opportunities and access to facilities; seek extramural research funds; and carry out university and public service programs related to the ORUs’ research expertise. An ORU may not offer formal courses for credit for students of the university or for the public unless it has been specifically empowered to do so by the president after consultation with the Academic Senate and the appropriate chancellors. The terms ‘institute,’ ‘laboratory,’ and ‘center’ are used most often for ORUs, but other titles may be employed in particular situations:  Institute: A major unit that coordinates and promotes faculty.

Multi Campus Research Unit or MCR. As defined by UCOP, a multicampus research unit (MRU) is a research unit established by UC to provide a supportive infrastructure for long-term research and/or creative work being carried out across multiple UC campuses and/or affiliated national laboratories.

Indirect Cost rate or IDC. The current campus facilities and administration rate for on-campus sponsored research