Last updated: 8/19/2025
Platform Responsibility Statement: SciXchange is a discovery and connection platform. All legal and compliance responsibilities, including the execution of MTAs, remain strictly between the providing and receiving parties and their respective institutions.
Our Mission
SciXchange exists to advance scientific research by facilitating the discovery and sharing of research materials within a trusted, professional community. We believe that collaborative sharing accelerates discovery and benefits the entire scientific enterprise.
Core Principles
Scientific Integrity
All information shared must be accurate, honest, and scientifically sound.
Professional Respect
Treat all community members with courtesy, respect, and professionalism.
Collaborative Spirit
Share knowledge and resources generously to advance collective scientific progress.
Compliance Responsibility
Ensure all activities comply with institutional policies and applicable laws.
Community Standards
Material Listings
- Provide accurate, complete descriptions of materials
- Clearly specify availability, quantity, and any limitations
- Include relevant preparation notes and storage conditions
- Update listings promptly when availability changes
- Only list materials you are authorized to share
Requests and Communication
- Be clear and specific about your research needs
- Respond promptly to messages and requests
- Provide context about your research when making requests
- Be understanding if requests cannot be fulfilled
- Follow through on commitments made through the platform
Compliance and Legal Requirements
- Ensure all transfers comply with institutional policies
- Complete required Material Transfer Agreements (MTAs) directly with institutions
- Verify export control regulations for international transfers
- Obtain necessary approvals before sharing controlled materials
- Respect intellectual property rights and patent restrictions
Prohibited Activities
The following activities are strictly prohibited:
- Sharing materials without proper authorization
- Misrepresenting materials, credentials, or institutional affiliation
- Using the platform for commercial sales or profit
- Sharing dangerous, illegal, or controlled substances without proper permits
- Harassment, discrimination, or unprofessional conduct
- Attempting to circumvent institutional compliance requirements
- Sharing personal contact information publicly (use platform messaging)
Best Practices
For Material Providers
- Consider offering materials under "Collaboration-for-Authorship" model when appropriate
- Provide detailed protocols or references when sharing complex materials
- Be responsive to follow-up questions about material performance
- Consider the broader scientific impact when prioritizing requests
For Material Requesters
- Provide sufficient detail about your research to help providers assess fit
- Be prepared to discuss potential collaboration opportunities
- Acknowledge material providers appropriately in publications
- Share results or insights when appropriate and agreed upon
Enforcement
Violations of these guidelines may result in warnings, temporary suspension, or permanent removal from the platform. We take community standards seriously and investigate all reported violations.
Reporting Issues
If you encounter behavior that violates these guidelines or have concerns about material safety or compliance, please report it through the platform's reporting mechanisms. All reports are reviewed promptly and confidentially.
Recognition and Reputation
SciXchange tracks successful material shares to build reputation within the community. Users who consistently provide high-quality materials and maintain professional standards will be recognized through badges and community features.
Updates to Guidelines
These guidelines may be updated periodically to reflect community feedback and evolving best practices. Users will be notified of significant changes, and continued use of the platform constitutes acceptance of updated guidelines.