To determine whether you need a Material Transfer Agreement (MTA), it’s important to first understand the nature of the material exchange and the relationship between the parties involved. MTAs are legal documents that define the terms under which biological or research materials are shared between organisations.

No Collaboration?

If you're sending or receiving material without any form of ongoing collaboration, then an MTA is typically required. This agreement outlines what the material can—and cannot—be used for. For example:

• Use may be restricted to research purposes only
• You may not share the material outside your lab
• You may be prohibited from publishing data using the material
• Commercial use or development of derivatives may be restricted

Having these conditions in writing helps protect both parties and ensures clarity around permitted use.

Part of a Collaboration?
If there is an active collaboration and a formal agreement is already in place, it may already cover how the materials (and resulting data) can be used. In this case, a separate MTA may not be needed. Still unsure? It’s best to check.

UBMTA and WEHI
WEHI is a signatory to the Uniform Biological Material Transfer Agreement (UBMTA). This streamlined agreement is used for most biological material transfers between not-for-profit research institutes for academic use only.

If the transfer is eligible under UBMTA, you can use our automated request form available on the Catalyst page to initiate a transfer either into or out of WEHI.

What to Do Next

1. No collaboration? → You likely need an MTA
2. Collaboration in place? → Check the agreement to see if material use is covered
3. Using UBMTA? → Visit the Catalyst page to complete the automated form

Need help?
If you’re unsure whether your situation requires an MTA or how to proceed, contact us at MTA@wehi.edu.au for advice.

Next Steps:

Ready to submit a request? Click the link below.