The NHGRI Technology Transfer Office (TTO) is located within the Office of the Scientific Director in the Division of Intramural Research (DIR). The mission of the TTO is to transfer research discoveries to the private sector for the benefit of public health. This is accomplished through a variety of mechanisms including the evaluation, patenting, and licensing of employee inventions and the negotiation of various legal documents which enable research materials to be shared among the scientific community. The office stimulates further innovation by facilitating cooperative research and development agreements (CRADAs) between the DIRís laboratories and the private sector. The office also provides general advice and guidance to the Institute on conflict of interest issues, intellectual property, copyrights and related matters.