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Conflicts of Interest and Commitments

Researchers are often faced with competing demands on time, effort, and responsibilities. A conflict of interests occurs when a researcher has to contend with two or more competing concerns, such as honestly reporting research results versus making a profit, achieving publication, or retaining outside funding. A conflict of commitments occurs when a researcher engages in competing obligations, such as collaboration on another project, preparing a new grant application, teaching, or peer review.

Conflicts of interests or commitments are not inherently negative; rather, the way in which the conflict is handled makes the difference. Researchers are encouraged to be honest about any interest that may cause potential conflicts and to inform others so that a disinterested entity can monitor progress to verify continued researcher objectivity. Researchers should also schedule their time judiciously and accept additional responsibilities only when they are certain that they will be able to honor all commitments.

Legislation/Regulations | Guidance | Resources

Legislation/Regulations
Bayh-Dole Act of 1980 (35 USC 200-212)

NSF Investigator Financial Disclosure Policy (pdf)

PHS Policy on Objectivity in Research (pdf)
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Guidance
Financial Conflicts of Interest and Research Objectivity: Issues for Investigators and IRBs (NIH)

Financial Conflicts of Interest and Human Subject Protection (OHRP)

Principles and Recommendations for Oversight of an Institution's Financial Interests in Human Subjects Research (AAMC)

Policy and Guidelines for the Oversight of Individual Financial Interests in Human Subjects Research (AAMC)

Report on Individual and Institutional Conflict of Interest (AAU)

The Bayh-Dole Act: A Guide to the Law and Implementing Regulations (COGR)

The Perils of Relying on Interested Parties to Evaluate Scientific Quality (American Journal of Public Health)
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Resources
RCR Education Resources: Conflicts of Interest (RCREC)

RCR module on Conflicts of Interest (Columbia University)

On Being a Scientist: Conflicts of Interest (NAS)
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