Conflict of Interest Policy

Per the Policy, “A conflict of interest exists when:

1. a faculty member's paid professional activities undermine rather than enhance the faculty member's ability to meet the faculty member's responsibilities to the University; or
2. a faculty member's non-professional activities which are engaged in for personal gain undermine rather than enhance the faculty member's ability to meet the faculty member's responsibilities to the University; or
3. a faculty member's personal or financial interest conflicts with the faculty member's responsibilities to the University.”

These conflicts may be present during the planning or conduct of research projects.  Conflicts should always be disclosed and appropriately managed by the person to whom the researcher reports. Given the wide scope of the Policy, this summary is not intended to provide guidance on any course of action, but rather to educate the research community about the necessity to appropriately disclose and manage all conflicts of interest per the Policy.

In addition to the University’s Conflict of Interest Policy, some research sponsoring agencies may have their own conflict of interest procedures and policies which need to be accepted by the researcher and the University prior to accepting their research funding.  It is important to be aware of and compliant with these policies, in addition to the University’s Policy.

• Policy on Conflict of Interest – Academic Staff
• Statement on Conflict of Interest and Conflict of Commitment

• Ensure that researchers are aware of the University’s Policy on Conflict of Interest – Academic Staff.