Material Transfer Agreements (MTAs) are used when any biological research materials are exchanged between UTMB and another entity. MTAs control the terms and conditions under which the recipient scientist and institution may use the exchanged materials for research.

All incoming and outgoing MTAs must be reviewed and approved by the Office of Technology Transfer. Before the materials can be sent outside UTMB, the MTA must be fully executed by all parties. Additionally, if the requested materials will be sent outside the US, then the Office of Technology Transfer must also perform an export control review on the materials to be exchanged and the recipient of them. (See Export Control)