A principal investigator (PI) is the lead scientist or engineer for a research project.

The Civilian Research & Development Foundation is an independent nonprofit organization that promotes international scientific and technical collaboration through grants, technical resources, training and services. CRDF Global is based in Arlington, Virginia with offices in Moscow, Russia; Kyiv, Ukraine; Almaty, Kazakhstan; and Amman, Jordan.

As a consortium of major Ph.D.–granting academic institutions, Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) cultivates collaborative partnerships that enhance the scientific research and education enterprise of our nation.

The Prima Civitas Foundation is a unique economic development organization. Together with our extensive knowledge resources and experienced public and private sector partners, we pilot initiatives that quickly address Michigan's economic challenges. We believe that through international development, innovation, talent, and targeted community support, we become a "disruptive" catalyst for Michigan's economy.

NCURA serves its members and advances the field of research administration through education and professional development programs, the sharing of knowledge and experience, and by fostering a professional, collegial, and respected community.

The Office of Regulatory Affairs (ORA) works to assure compliance with federal, state, and university regulations and policies on research, promotes the responsible conduct of research at MSU, and serves as a campus resource for research ethics education materials and training.

Starting February 2022, the Office of Regulatory Affairs changed their name to Office of Research Regulatory Support (ORRS).

The CRC was formed in 1999 after several community disturbances in East Lansing, as recommendation of the Action Team task force chaired by the president of MSU.

A Material Transfer Agreement (MTA) is a legal contract that allows for the exchange of materials, such as chemicals, software, plant- and animal-derived material, or research animals, between universities and other organizations for research purposes. The agreement defines the rights of the providing scientists, recipient scientists, and their respective organizations with regard to materials, derivatives, and inventions that may result from the use of the transferred material.

The National Collaborative for the Study of University Engagement (NCSUE) strives to be a preeminent innovator within the scholarly movement of engagement in higher education. NCSUE deepens the study of and discussion about two key principles—engaged scholarship and the scholarship of engagement—to inform and advance the national agenda.

Michigan State University's Conflict Review Committee: http://coi.msu.edu/CRC