An HSR may not be used in place for a formal appointment when individuals performing comparable roles and responsibilities would ordinarily require an official appointment.  

Research Collaborator HSR  

A Research Collaborator HSR is an individual who does not hold a Harvard appointment or employment but is engaged in an active research collaboration (WAIT: Web-based Agreement Identification Tool) with a Harvard-based researcher. These individuals must have a legitimate need to access Harvard research space, data, or systems for a defined period as part of their collaboration.  

A faculty member with a primary appointment in an HMS pre-clinical department must sponsor Research Collaborator HSRs.  

Harvard Sponsored Roles may not be used to extend access to services or resources (such as email or shared drives) for departing employees.  

 Research Collaborators from Other Institutions  

The following documentation is required:  

  1. HMS Research Collaborator HSR Intake Form
  2. Visitor Participation Agreement
    1. If a Participation Agreement is not already on file with the University, a signed agreement must be submitted.
  3. Acknowledgment of Risk and Release of Claims
    1. Required only for individuals accessing campus in person.
    2. Not required for HMS-affiliated hospital employees.  
Departing HMS Researchers  

HMS provides a limited exception for departing HMS Research Associates, Research Fellows, and Harvard Ph.D. graduates who are transitioning to new employment. These individuals may be eligible to retain access to HMS resources by converting to a Research Collaborator HSR for the sole purpose of completing a publication.  

Faculty members transitioning to an HSR role must obtain prior approval from the Office for Faculty Affairs before continuing access.  

To qualify:  

  • The individual must meet all Research Collaborator HSR eligibility requirements.
  • There must be a significant change in work duties. 

 To convert an individual to a Research Collaborator HSR, all required onboarding steps and documentation must be completed.  

 Required Documentation for Departing HMS Researcher HSR  
  1. Departing HMS Researcher HSR Intake Form
  2. Acknowledgment of Risk and Release of Claims (if visit through a guest pass is necessary)  

Access eligibility criteria are outlined in the applicable Intake Form for each defined Research Collaborator category.  

Additional resources

HSR portal