SRS or RCG@UC

In essence, RCG@UC complements SRS by providing flexible, specialized contracting solutions for complex or non-standard agreements, while SRS focuses on managing traditional research contracts in line with the university’s policies.

RCG Research Contracting Focus SRS
Expedited solutions for non-traditional agreements
Routine research contracts, compliance, and reporting
Handles complex agreements outside standard policies
Focuses on traditional research contracts with standard terms
Agility for unconventional payment structures & partnerships
Ensures compliance with institutional and federal guidelines

The Research Contracting Group@UC (RCG@UC) is a nonprofit contracting group affiliated with the University of Cincinnati Office of Research. We specialize in facilitating research partnerships between university subject matter experts and industry partners by addressing contracting challenges that can arise when working with universities.

Welcome to the New
Research Contracting Group

Formerly known as UCRI, RCG@UC continues to provide the same high-quality services and flexible approach to research partnerships; our name change reflects a sharper focus on streamlining research contracts, ensuring more efficient and effective collaboration between UC researchers and external partners. As UC’s dedicated nonprofit contracting arm, we help bridge the gap between researchers and industry, offering tailored solutions for complex agreements.

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Welcome to the New Research Contracting Group

Formerly known as UCRI, RCG@UC continues to provide the same high-quality services and flexible approach to research partnerships; our name change reflects a sharper focus on streamlining research contracts, ensuring more efficient and effective collaboration between UC researchers and external partners. As UC’s dedicated nonprofit contracting arm, we help bridge the gap between researchers and industry, offering tailored solutions for complex agreements.

SRS or RCG@UC?

In essence, RCG@UC complements SRS by providing flexible, specialized contracting solutions for complex or non-standard agreements, while SRS focuses on managing traditional research contracts in line with the university’s policies.

RCG Research Contracting Focus SRS
Expedited solutions for non-traditional agreements
Routine research contracts, compliance, and reporting
Handles complex agreements outside standard policies
Focuses on traditional research contracts with standard terms
Agility for unconventional payment structures & partnerships
Ensures compliance with institutional and federal guideline

Efficient.

RCG@UC specializes in navigating complex cases with precision and speed. Whether it’s working with international entities, accommodating nontraditional payment terms, or meeting exceptionally tight deadlines, we provide streamlined solutions tailored to unique challenges.

Effective.

We empower researchers to achieve meaningful and measurable results. By providing creative contracting solutions, we enable university researchers and industry partners to focus on their work—not the paperwork.

Experienced.

Founded in [2010] as UCRI, RCG@UC has a proven track record of supporting connections between subject matter experts and industry. Over the years, we’ve facilitated numerous successful collaborations, overcoming challenges that can arise when partnering with a university.

Our Team | Key Leaders

Pat Limbach

Board of Trustees Chairman; UC Vice President for Research

Kimm Lauterbach

Board of Trustees; CEO of Regional Economic Development Initiative Cincinnati

Bill Martini

Board of Trustees; Director of Engineering at Northrop Grumman

Patrick Clark

RCG@UC Executive Director

Pankhuri Hatfield

RCG@UC Director of Business Affairs

Experts & Industry

Over the years, RCG@UC (formerly UCRI) has been a trusted partner for researchers across diverse fields, from cybersecurity to advanced manufacturing. By offering tailored solutions for an extensive range of contract needs, RCG@UC has enabled researchers to navigate complex agreements with ease.

Researchers across disciplines have highlighted how RCG@UC’s expertise and flexibility in contract management have streamlined their work, helping to ensure agreements align with both their goals and institutional requirements.

Advanced Manufacturing | Sam Anand

“The RCG@UC team works efficiently on my non-federal & non-standard contracts and in turn, my team is able to complete industry-sponsored projects and deliver.”

Artificial Intelligence | Kelly Cohen

“Thanks to the RCG, we secured an international research agreement which helped solidify an important global partnership which paved the way to more international research collaborations.”

Cybersecurity | Hazem Said

“The university is beholden to federal regulations which can make some non-federal contracts challenging to negotiate. In these instances, RCG effectively gets my faculty and their partners through the contracting process so that they can get to business.”

Contact & Collaborate

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Questions & Answers

How do I Contact RCG@UC?

The best way to contact us depends on your role:

  • University Faculty/Researcher: Contact your college’s business office. They, along with SRS, will determine whether to route your project through RCG@UC or the traditional path.
  • College Business Administrator: Reach our directly to Patrick Clark for assistance.
  • Industry Partner: Email us at research@uc.edu

If you are unsure or have further questions, please email us at research@uc.edu

What makes RCG@UC different from UC’s Sponsored Research Services (SRS)?

RCG@UC differs from UC’s Sponsored Research Services (SRS) in its structure and flexibility. While SRS operates within the university’s standard policies to manage traditional research agreements, RCG@UC is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization designed to handle more complex and unconventional contracts. By complementing SRS’s work, RCG@UC provides researchers with the specialized support needed for agreements that fall outside standard university processes.

Where is RCG@UC located?

RCG@UC is located in the Digital Futures building, where we provide a dedicated space to meet with faculty, researchers, and partners. Our office is open Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Feel free to stop by during these hours or contact us to schedule an appointment.