THE MARINE MAMMAL COMMISSION COMPENDIUM

BILATERAL / UNITED KINGDOM
First Update; pages 967-973


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Memorandum of Understanding Between the National Science Foundation in Washington, D.C., for the United States of America and Natural Environment Research Council on the Participation of the United Kingdom in the Ocean Drilling Program as a Regular Member, Swindon, 1992

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Done at Swindon 7 December 1992
Entered into force 7 December 1992, effective 1 October 1993
Primary source citation: Copy of text provided by the U.S. Department of State


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MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION IN WASHINGTON, D.C., FOR THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND NATURAL ENVIRONMENT RESEARCH COUNCIL ON THE PARTICIPATION OF THE UNITED KINGDOM IN THE OCEAN DRILLING PROGRAM AS A REGULAR MEMBER

The Ocean Drilling Program (ODP) is a multinational program of scientific research in the oceans which uses drilling and logging to improve fundamental understanding of the geological history, structure and evolution of the oceanic lithosphere (sediments and crust). The Ocean Drilling Program is a successor to the Deep Sea Drilling Project, which began in 1968, and the International Phase of Ocean Drilling, which began in 1975. During the period October 1983-October 1984, the National Science Foundation, through its contractors, refitted the JOIDES Resolution for scientific ocean drilling and for scientific program operations. Early in U.S. Fiscal Year 1985, the initial nine-year phase of ocean drilling began. By 1991, eight international partners representing 20 nations had become regular supporting members of the ODP. The Ocean Drilling Program is conducted by contractors, responsible to the National Science Foundation, who carry out the functions of science planning, science operations, and vessel operations. The Joint Oceanographic Institutions for Deep Earth Sampling (JOIDES) is the international body responsible for developing scientific plans and providing general scientific direction for the Ocean Drilling Program. A Science Planning Contractor organizes and provides administrative support to JOIDES. In May 1990, JOIDES published a Long Range Plan which identifies scientific priorities and calls for continued international cooperation in ocean drilling extending through the year 2002. JOIDES has subsequently endorsed use of the JOIDES Resolution as the primary facility for ODP coring and logging through at least 1998. Facilities, including any alternate or additional drilling platforms utilized through 1998, during subsequent years are to be determined by availability, cost, and scientific requirements identified by JOIDES planning.

Accordingly, the National Science Foundation and the Natural Environment Research Council endorse continued cooperation in ocean drilling activities during the period 1 October 1993 to 30 September 2003, in accordance with the following articles:

Article 1 - MEMBERSHIP STATUS

The Natural Environment Research Council elects to be a regular member with rights, privileges, and financial commitments as defined. All cooperative activities under this agreement, including exchange of technical information, equipment and data, shall be conducted in accordance with international law, as well as the international obligations, national laws and regulations of each party and within the limits of available funds.

 

Article 2 - DURATION

The Natural Environment Research Council endorses continued cooperation in ocean drilling activities, with commitment, in principle, as a regular member to support of Ocean Drilling Program coring and logging programs in the period 1 October 1993 to 30 September 1998. Subsequent support is to be determined based on available technologies, facilities and membership costs in the period 1998 to 2003.

 

 

Article 3 - SCIENTIFIC PLANNING

Scientific planning and direction of the Ocean Drilling Program shall be the responsibility of JOIDES. The Natural Environment Research Council will be a member of JOIDES with the right to be represented on each committee, panel, or working group thereof. International membership and representation in JOIDES is restricted to regular members, including consortia, but excluding the individual members of consortia. The contractors will submit, to the Executive Committee of JOIDES, the annual program plan and budgets for approval prior to their adoption by the National Science Foundation.

Article 4 - OCEAN DRILLING PROGRAM COUNCIL

The Natural Environment Research Council will be a member of the Ocean Drilling Program Council. The members of the Council will be representatives of each country contributing to the support of the Ocean Drilling Program, regardless of whether it is participating as an individual member or as a member of a consortium. Members of the Council and their alternates will be designated by the participating countries. There will be one representative of each participating country, except that additional representation from the United States may be appropriate.

The Council shall serve as a consultative body reviewing financial, managerial, and other matters involving the overall support of the Ocean Drilling Program. The Council shall provide a forum for exchange of views among the contributing countries. No formal voting procedures will be established.

The National Science Foundation representative will serve as permanent Chairman of the Council. A formal agenda will be prepared for each meeting and written records of each meeting will be kept. The National Science Foundation will provide secretarial services to the Council.

The Council will normally meet once each year. The annual meeting shall include a financial report and discussion, an audit report, a review of scientific and technical achievements for the past year, draft program plans and budgets for the coming year, and other topics of mutual interest. Normally, all regular meetings of the Council will be scheduled in conjunction with the JOIDES Executive Committee meeting for review and approval of the annual program plans and budgets.

Liaison representatives of prime contractors and important scientific planning entities will be available to the Council.

 

Article 5 - INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS

Protection of intellectual property rights and rights thereto shall be as set forth in Annex B.

 

"Article 6 - RIGHT TO MAKE PROPOSALS; DATA PRIVILEGES

The Natural Environment Research Council will have the right: a) to make proposals to JOIDES of scientific projects or technical objectives of interest to the Natural Environment Research Council. b) to participate in the analysis, and have access to the data, of geophysical and other site surveys performed in support of the program. c) to engineering plans, data or other information developed under contracts supported as program costs, subject to Article 1 limitations.

Site surveys may be contributed by the United Kingdom as its scientific interests and available resources allow. Site survey requirements will be identified by JOIDES.

 

Article 7 - VISA AND CUSTOMS FACILITATION

The National Science Foundation will facilitate through collaboration with the appropriate authorities the granting of visas and other forms of official permission for entry to and exit from the United States of personnel, equipment, and supplies when required for participation or utilization in the Ocean Drilling Program.

 

Article 8 - PARTICIPATION ON BOARD THE ODP DRILLSHIP

The Science Operations Contractor, with the advice of JOIDES, selects the scientific team for each cruise. It is expected that approximately half of the scientists invited to serve as co-chief scientists will be representatives of the United States. It is expected that a scientist representing the United Kingdom will be invited to serve as co-chief scientist on an equal numerical basis with all other non-U.S. partners. The United Kingdom has the right to have a scientist represented in the shipboard scientific staff on each cruise of the ODP drillship. Normally, space will be available for two scientists representing the United Kingdom on the research cruises of the ODP drillship. It is recognized that some cruises may be of special scientific interest to United Kingdom scientists and increased participation by scientists of the United Kingdom on these cruises may be appropriate. At a minimum, total participation over the term of the Ocean Drilling Program will be proportional to the United Kingdom contribution to Program costs.

 

Article 9 - INITIAL REPORTS OF THE OCEAN DRILLING PROGRAM Scientists from the United Kingdom will have access, through the Natural Environment Research Council, to Ocean Drilling Program data and core samples. The Natural Environment Research Council will endeavor to ensure that the participating United Kingdom scientists and institutions shall provide the scientific data resulting from site surveys and laboratory analyses in time for preparation of the "Proceedings of the Ocean Drilling Program or their equivalent. One hundred copies of each volume of the official scientific publications will be provided to the Natural Environment Research Council for free distribution among scientific establishments in the United Kingdom. These volumes may be published in the United Kingdom in full or in part, without payments to or additional agreements with the United States. The Natural Environment Research Council will provide the National Science Foundation with copies of all publications from the United Kingdom that are based on program material.

 

Article 10 - FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTION

The Natural Environment Research Council will support the Ocean Drilling Program with financial contributions payable to the National Science Foundation in U.S. dollars in amounts and periods to be specified by Annex A to this Memorandum of Understanding.

The financial contribution of all participants will be commingled to support the total program costs. "Program costs" are determined by the National Science Foundation, and are those costs incurred in support of contractors performing functions for joint planning and operations of the Ocean Drilling Program, and program direction and management costs incurred by the National Science Foundation which relate to international participation. Activities which may be carried out by the National Science Foundation's contractors in direct support of United States scientific undertakings are not program costs and will not be funded from commingled accounts.

The Natural Environment Research Council regards the National Science Foundation as being fully accountable for the proper expenditure of the commingled funds and will, through the Ocean Drilling Program Council, scrutinise the financial and audit reports, required under Article 4.

 

Article 11 - SALARIES, TRAVEL, AND EXPENSES

Salaries and travel expenses for participants representing the United Kingdom will be borne by the United Kingdom. Costs of accommodations for United Kingdom scientists and members of technical parties aboard the drillship are program costs and will be funded by the Ocean Drilling Program. The National Science Foundation's contractors will render United Kingdom scientists needed assistance when going from an airport to the drillship.

 

Article 12 - CONSULTATION

Meetings of the National Science Foundation and representatives of the United Kingdom may be held at any time upon the request of either party to discuss the terms and conditions of this Memorandum and other matters of mutual interest.

 

Article 13 - TERMINATION NOTICE

Obligations arising from this Memorandum of Understanding may be terminated by either party giving the other party written notice at least one year in advance. Provisions for refunds of contributions, arising out of unilateral termination, are specified in Annex A. Done in Swindon, England

by: by:

[Signature] John L. Knill Chairman Natural Environment Research Council

[Signature] Robert W. Corell Assistant Director National Science Foundation

on: on:

7 December 1992 Date

December 7, 1992 Date

 

ANNEX A to the Memorandum of Understanding Between the National Science Foundation and the Natural Environment Research Council on the Participation of the United Kingdom in the Ocean Drilling Program as a Regular Member

Financial Contribution for U.S. Fiscal Year 1994

The Natural Environment Research Council will support the Ocean Drilling Program with a total contribution of United States two million nine hundred fifty thousand dollars (U.S. $2,950,000) in cash for the period October 1, 1993 to September 30, 1994, calculated at the rate of $245,833.33 per month of drilling operations. Payment shall be made in one installment on or about March 1, 1994. Should the Ocean Drilling Program be terminated before September 30, 1994, the Natural Environment Research Council will be reimbursed on the basis of one-twelfth of its contribution for each month of curtailment.

Should the Natural Environment Research Council withdraw from the Program, under the terms of Article 13 above, no refunds of contributions will be made.

Contributions for subsequent years will be adjusted to the changes in program costs experienced in the Ocean Drilling Program, as determined by the National Science Foundation. If a change in contribution is anticipated, the National Science Foundation will provide information as to the cost basis and the indices used to estimate increases or decreases.

by: by:

[Signature] John L. Knill Chairman Natural Environment Research Council

[Signature] Robert W. Corell Assistant Director National Science Foundation

on: on:

7 December 1992 Date

December 7, 1992 Date

 

ANNEX B Intellectual Property Rights

PREAMBLE

Pursuant to Article 5 of this Agreement;

The Parties shall ensure adequate and effective protection of intellectual property created or furnished under this Agreement and relevant implementing arrangements. The Parties agree to notify one another in a timely fashion of inventions or copyrighted works arising under this Agreement and to seek protection for such intellectual property in a timely fashion. Rights to such intellectual property shall be allocated as provided in this Annex.

I. SCOPE

A. This Annex is applicable to all cooperative activities undertaken pursuant to this Agreement, except as otherwise specifically agreed by the Parties or their designees.

B. For purposes of this Agreement, intellectual property shall have the meaning found in Article 2 of the Convention Establishing the World Intellectual Property Organization, done at Stockholm, July 14, 1967. C. This Annex addresses the allocation of rights, interests, and royalties between the parties. Each Party shall ensure that the other Party can obtain the rights to intellectual property allocated in accordance with the Annex, by obtaining those rights from its own participants through contracts or other legal means, if necessary. This Annex does not otherwise alter or prejudice the allocation between a Party and its nationals, which shall be determined by that Party's laws and practices.

D. Disputes concerning intellectual property arising under this Agreement should be resolved through discussions between the concerned participating institutions or, if necessary, the Parties or their designees. Upon mutual agreement of the Parties, a dispute shall be submitted to an arbitral tribunal for binding arbitration in accordance with the applicable rules of international law. Unless the Parties or their designees agree otherwise in writing, the arbitration rules of UNCITRAL shall govern.

E. Termination or expiration of this agreement shall not affect rights or obligations under this Annex.

II. ALLOCATION OF RIGHTS

A. Each Party shall be entitled to a non-exclusive, irrevocable, royalty-free license in all countries to translate, reproduce, and publicly distribute scientific and technical journal articles, reports, and books directly arising from cooperation under this Agreement. All publicly distributed copies of a copyrighted work prepared under this provision shall indicate the names of the authors of the work unless an author explicitly declines to be named.

B. Rights to all forms of intellectual property, other than those rights described in Section II (A) above, shall be allocated as follows:

1. Visiting researchers, for example, scientists visiting primarily in furtherance of their education, shall receive intellectual property rights under the policies of the host institution. In addition, each visiting researcher named as an inventor shall be entitled to share in a portion of any royalties earned by the host institution from the licensing of such intellectual property.

2.a.

For intellectual property created during joint research, for example, when the parties, participating institutions, or personnel have agreed in advance on the scope of work, the Parties or their designees shall jointly develop a technology management plan. The technology management plan shall consider the relative contributions of the Parties and their participants, the benefits of exclusive licensing by territory or for fields of use, requirements imposed by the Parties' domestic laws, and other factors deemed appropriate.

b.

If the Parties or their designees cannot reach agreement on a joint technology management plan within a reasonable time not to exceed six months from the time a party becomes aware of the creation of the intellectual property in question, each Party may designate one co-exclusive licensee to have world-wide rights. Each Party shall notify the other two months prior to making a designation under this paragraph. When both Parties (or their licensees) exploit the intellectual property in a country, they shall share equally the reasonable cost of intellectual property protection in that country.

c.

A specific program of research will be regarded as joint research for purposes of allocating rights to intellectual property only when it is designated as such in the relevant implementing arrangement.

d.

Notwithstanding paragraph II.B.2.(a) and (b), if type of intellectual property is available under the laws of one Party but not the other Party, the Party whose laws provide for this type of protection shall be entitled to all rights and interests worldwide. Persons named as inventors of property shall nonetheless be entitled to a share of royalties earned by either institution from the licensing of the property.

III. BUSINESS-CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION

In the event that information identified in a timely fashion as business-confidential is furnished or created under the Agreement, each Party and its participants shall protect such information in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and administrative practice. Information may be identified as "business-confidential" if a person having the information may derive an economic benefit from it or may obtain a competitive advantage over those who do not have it, the information is not generally known or publicly available from other sources, and the owner has not previously made the information available without imposing in a timely manner an obligation to keep it confidential.