City of Austin & The University of Texas at Austin Research Collaborations

The University of Texas at Austin and the City of Austin have a formalized partnership that draws on the research capabilities of academia and the real-life challenges that municipal government faces. This strategic relationship cultivates an innovative ecosystem between the two organizations, fostering collaborative research projects that stem from connections supported by dedicated staff at UT and the City of Austin.

This partnership is fortified by a master Interlocal Agreement (ILA), created to streamline research agreements between the City of Austin and researchers at UT. The agreement standardizes the terms and conditions regarding data sharing and intellectual property. The ILA authorized up to $10M of city department funds to be provided to UT principal investigators for research partnerships.

Projects may include (but are not limited to) the following research-focused activities:

  • Academic research involving University faculty, staff, or students
  • Community-based research
  • Program evaluation
  • Best practice studies
  • Strategic planning assistance
  • Data analysis
  • Survey research
  • Use of city departments, services and/or data for academic research by faculty or students

 

Collaborate on a Research Project

Current City of Austin staff or UT researchers looking to collaborate on a research project should complete the Pre-Proposal Form. The information provided on the form will be used to match city departments with UT researchers. To see the list of questions in advance, view the COA-UT ILA Pre-Proposal Form Questions (PDF).

For questions, or for ideas, UT researchers can contact Sara Hernando, assistant director for research engagements, at ResearchCollaboration@austin.utexas.edu, and City of Austin staff can email Charles Purma, strategic partnerships manager, at charles.purmaiii@austintexas.gov.

 

Upcoming Opportunities

Opportunity: City of Austin – UT Austin Call for Research Proposals

Description: The City of Austin’s Office of Innovation is partnering with UT Austin to hold the 2nd annual CoA – UT Call for Research Proposals that address city-identified research needs. The city is hoping to fund multiple projects with budgets ranging from $20,000 to $60,000 through the City of Austin – UT Austin Interlocal Agreement. Contracts must be formalized by August 15, 2024, and research must start by January 31, 2025.

Deadline: June 28, 2024

Submissions: https://utexas.infoready4.com/#competitionDetail/1939394

 

Current Projects

Visit the City of Austin dashboard to learn more about the partnership and see the projects supported. 

Pre-Proposal Form

Questions?
UT researchers email ResearchCollaboration@austin.utexas.edu
City of Austin staff email charles.purmaiii@austintexas.gov