Letters of Collaboration

If you cite a collaboration, the individual(s) with whom you are collaborating must provide you with a letter that documents the collaboration. This letter must accompany your project plan. The Lead Scientist is responsible for making sure that all appropriate letters of collaboration are included with the plan.

The letter must be written on letterhead of the institution with which the collaborator is affiliated and signed by the collaborator.

Place it in your plan as an electronic graphic insert (in the Appendix).

The letter should clearly state:

• The full name of the collaborator and his/her institution.
• A description of the collaborator's expected role in the research.
• A brief statement which describes the experience and expertise of collaborator in his/her field.
• A statement acknowledging that facilities and equipment are available to the collaborator.
• Acknowledgement of any prior or on-going collaboration with any members of the scientific team on the plan.

This letter is meant to show the peer review panel that the collaborator can provide the needed expertise.

Letters should not substitute for explaining a collaboration in your project plan. They are to confirm intended and described collaborators.