Both the principal investigator and the University have responsibilities,
and hence, rights concerning access to, use of, and maintenance of original
research data. Research data belongs to the University of Pittsburgh,
which can be held accountable for the integrity of the data even after
the researchers have left the University. Although the primary data
should remain in the laboratory where it originated (and hence at the
University), consistent with the precepts of academic freedom and intellectual
integrity, the investigator may be allowed to retain the research records
and materials created by him/her. In the event that the investigator
leaves the University, an Agreement on Disposition of Research Data
may be negotiated by the investigator and the Department Chair or Dean
to allow transfer of research records. However, consistent with the
same precepts, it should be specified in the agreement that the University
has the right of access to all research records and materials for a
reasonable cause after reasonable prior notice regardless of the location
of the responsible investigator....
Some circumstances may warrant an exception, requiring that the primary
data be retained by the University....
Split of collaborative team: When a collaborative team is dissolved,
University of Pittsburgh policy states that each member of the team
should have continuing access to the data and materials with which he/she
had been working, unless some other agreement was established at the
outset. The unique materials prepared in the course of the research
should be available/accessible under negotiated terms of a transfer
agreement. (Link)