Office of Research Affairs

What is a Conflict of Interest?

Any circumstance where the person, professional, financial, or other private interests of a person or institution compromise, have the potential to compromise or may be perceived as compromising the exercise of professional judgment or obligations. Common types of conflicts within academic research include financial conflicts of interest and conflicts of commitment.

Financial Conflicts of Interest

When the potential for the financial interests of the Investigator or their immediate family affects or has the appearance of affecting the design, conduct, or reporting of the research. Examples include holding equity or ownership in a company sponsoring the research or receipt of income from intellectual property held by the researcher.

Conflict of Commitment

When an investigator's external professional commitments conflict with their primary responsibilities to the institution, including when investigator devotes extensive time to outside commitments that interfere with their ability to complete their responsibilities to the School of Medicine.

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