O.C.G.A. § 31-51-3 (2019)

(a) For purposes of this chapter, the board of regents may act through a unit of the University System of Georgia, a nonprofit corporation research institute, or a nonprofit institution of higher education that conducts research, or any combination thereof.

(b) Any nonprofit corporation research institute approved by the board of regents to participate in the research program established under this chapter shall be required to have the necessary experience, expertise, industry standards and security procedures, and infrastructure to implement such research in accordance with accepted scientific and regulatory standards.

(c) The board of regents and its authorized agent may enter into such agreements, among themselves and with other parties, as are reasonable and necessary to implement the provisions of this chapter.