Access to tangible research materials in biomedical research: conditions of access and their effect on research

Biomedical discoveries often provide the basic tools for research. Such discoveries may be patentable or non-patentable products or processes, as well as the materials necessary for further research. Without rapid access to these materials on reasonable terms, there is concern that the progress of science will suffer. In 1995, the National Institutes of Health in the United States published a Master Uniform Biomaterial Transfer Agreement (UBMTA) to improve access to biomedical materials. Guidelines for transfers were published in 1999. This article analyses a survey that the author conducted in the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Science, Monash University. It observes that a significant minority of respondents experience frustration and/or adverse effects upon their research as a result of restrictions imposed upon their access to materials. It concludes that the extensive experience and precedent material in the United States provides an immediate resource to help improve access to biological materials in Australian universities.