The Partnership Development Office establishes the partnerships and collaborations among our scientists and external researchers in government, academia, industry, and the nonprofit research sector. 

We engage with a wide range of research collaborators and partners—from international research institutes to start-up companies—to solve urgent problems in biomedical research. By working together, we accelerate progress against cancer, AIDS, and emerging health challenges.

Our office offers a range of contractual agreement options to fit a variety of partners and projects. The appropriate collaborative mechanism is considered based on the scope and objectives of the partnership. 

The Frederick National Laboratory also offers a range of unique laboratory services through our Technical Services Program. These services are readily available on a reimbursable basis via a Technical Service Agreement.

Additional Contact Info

Email PDO@nih.gov about our partnership opportunities.

FNL partnership breakdowns

  • 43% from university
  • 28% from industry
  • 25% from research institutes
  • 4% from government or other categories

Collaboration achievements

  • 242 Technical Service Agreements
  • 66 Cooperative Research and Development Agreements
  • 17 material contractor Cooperative Research and Development Agreements
  • 18 Memorandum of Understandings
  • 5 Technology Showcases

 

Partnership Spotlights

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Four people seated at a table
Memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed in 2022 between Shepherd University and the Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research.
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Two men shake hands at a conference table
Frederick Community College and the Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) in 2021 that forms the basis for future collaborations between the institutions, including the development of research opportunities and joint initiatives.
  • In December 2023, we executed an FNL CRADA with the National Cancer Center Japan that was led by Pinyi Lu of the Cancer Research Technology Program. The purpose of this project is to develop a novel workflow integrating structure and AI-based modeling approaches to accelerate the discovery of novel CENP-E inhibitors, that prevent cancer progression.

  • In December 2023, we signed an FNL CRADA with the Henry M. Jackson Foundation that was led by Steve Anderson of the Basic Science Program. The collaboration will help produce mRNA vaccines that will include one or more mRNAs encoding proteins that inhibit Natural Killer cell lysis that can increase side effects and limit the duration immune responses.

  • In February 2023, we signed a M-CRADA with Hospital Moinhos de Vento, a Brazilian hospital, to support work around virus-like particles, including virus-like particles for HPV-16 and HPV-18. This partnership is being led by Dr. Ligia Pinto of the Vaccine, Immunity, and Cancer Directorate.

  • In January 2023, we executed a MOU with Stillman College, a private historically black Presbyterian college in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. We are excited to have this new collaboration to support student training efforts.