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Sponsored Programs and Research Compliance

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

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Events

SPaRC Spotlights

SPaRC Spotlight: Non-Disclosure Agreements - "Sign it so we can talk"

Execution of a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) is often the first step in establishing a research collaboration between the University and an industry sponsor. This Spotlight explores the purpose and value of NDAs, the differing motivations and expectations of university and industry partners, and the practical steps involved when a Principal Investigator is approached by a sponsor requesting confidentiality. Participants will learn how to respond appropriately, which campus offices handle NDA processing, and how to ensure the parties’ interests are protected while enabling productive discussions.

Presented by: 

  • Justin Blount, Assistant Director, Negotiation, Sponsored Programs Administration
  • Pedro Fernandes da Costa, Associate Director, Office of Corporate Relations
  • Paula Jorge, Sr. Associate Director, Negotiation, Sponsored Programs Administration 
Thursday, October 16, 2025 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM Zoom Meeting

Quarterly Meetings

The SPaRC Quarterly Meetings provide a platform to exchange and disseminate information related to the support of the sponsored portfolio to central and departmental administrative staff.

Thursday, December 4, 2025 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM

NCSA Auditorium

1205 W Clark St., Urbana

Zoom: https://go.illinois.edu/SPaRCQuarterlyMeeting

Meeting Materials and Agenda

SPaRC Annual Retreat

The SPaRC Annual Retreat is a chance for research administrators from across campus to come together to connect, learn, and celebrate their important role in advancing the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s research mission. The day features guest speakers, plenary sessions on emerging initiatives and policy updates, and afternoon breakout sessions covering a range of sponsored project topics. Breakfast and lunch are included.

Registration for the 2025 SPaRC Retreat is closed. 

If you have questions please contact Kamil Tamimie (tamimie@illinois.edu).

2025 SPaRC Retreat Agenda

Breakout Session and Department Roundtable Descriptions

Session Materials

Friday, September 11, 2026 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM Illinois Conference Center

Contact Us

For questions or more information, please contact Kamil Tamimie, Sr. Assistant Director, Training, Outreach, and Data Management.