The Research Internship Agreement template is designed to give students, interns, educational institutions, and host organizations a clear, structured, and legally minded contract for carrying out a research internship. It helps define the roles, expectations, intellectual property protocols, and evaluation criteria so all parties understand their commitments from the beginning.
Key Features of the Research Internship Agreement
- Defined Duration & Responsibilities
The template lays out the internship period, working hours, and the specific tasks or research duties the Intern will undertake under the guidance of a supervisor. - Supervisor & Mentor Structure
It provides for designation of a mentor or supervisor, including the oversight and feedback mechanisms, to ensure that interns receive meaningful guidance and professional growth. - Confidentiality & Intellectual Property Provisions
Clear clauses address protection of sensitive data, ownership of research outcomes, and publication rights — protecting both the intern’s and the organization’s interests. - Compensation / Stipend Terms
The template can be used for either paid or unpaid internships, with space to define stipend amounts (if any), payment schedule, or confirm unpaid status for training-only roles. - Evaluation, Reporting & Certification
It includes provisions for performance evaluations, submission of reports or deliverables, and issuance of certificates or letters confirming completion of internship. - Termination & Legal Governance
Includes terms for early termination by either party, notice periods, and governance under applicable law to avoid misunderstanding in case issues arise.
Who Should Use This Template
- Universities, colleges, or research labs onboarding interns for research projects
- Non-profit organizations or industry R&D departments offering internships
- Students pursuing internships in academic, industrial, or non-profit research settings
- Supervisors or mentors needing a clear agreement before engaging interns
How to Use & Customize
- Edit to suit your organization’s rules: Modify working hours, stipend details, data privacy or IP clauses as per institutional policies.
- Insert your branding: Add your institution’s logo, letterhead, and supervisor contact information.
- Adjust timeframes: Set the internship start/end dates and evaluation periods.
- Specify deliverables: If you expect reports, presentations, or publications, define them clearly.
Why This Agreement Matters
- Fosters clear communication and professional expectations
- Protects legal, ethical, and intellectual property interests of both Intern and Organization
- Helps avoid disputes by establishing evaluation, confidentiality, and performance standards up front
- Provides interns with tangible evidence (certificate, evaluation) that they completed the agreed project or term
Download the Research Internship Agreement now to formalize your next internship, ensure clarity, and support your interns and institution in getting the most out of the experience.
