Standards for Conduct of Research

2.5 Outside Interest and Employment

The University encourages faculty and other researchers to engage in professional activities beyond the institution - such as consulting, sponsored research collaborations, entrepreneurial ventures, and other forms of public and private engagement - that advance scientific discovery, benefit society, and enhance the University's mission.

While such outside activities can enrich academic work, they may also create the potential for conflicts with University responsibilities or institutional interests. The University therefore expects that all outside commitments be conducted transparently, responsibly, and in a manner that preserves the integrity of the individuals's research, teaching, and service obligations.

Outside interests or employment must not compromise the objectivity, integrity, or credibility of University research; interfere with assigned duties; or create the appearance that University resources, personnel, or students are being used inappropriately for personal gain.

2.5.1 Conflict of Interest and Conflict of Commitment

A Conflict of Interest (COI) exists when an outside activity, relationship, or financial interest could directly and significantly affect - or appear to affect - the design, conduct, reporting, review, or oversight of research. This includes situations in which a University official reasonably determines that a significant financial interest or other external commitment may bias professional judgment or compromise adherence to widely accepted ethical and professional norms.

A Conflict of Commitment (COC) occurs when outside activities interfere, or appear to interfere, with an individual's ability to meet their University responsibilities. These responsibilities include teaching, mentoring, research obligations, administrative duties, institutional service, and compliance with University policies.

Institutional Oversight

The University is required to review and manage any research project involving an investigator with a potential conflict of interest. The presence of a COI does not automatically prevent an investigator from participating in a sponsored project or receiving funding. Instead, the University will determine whether the conflict can be managed, reduced, or eliminated to ensure that the research can be conducted with integrity and in compliance with federal, state, sponsor, and institutional requirements.

• Management strategies may include:
• Disclosure of the conflict in publications, presentations, or consent documents;
• Independent data review or oversight;
• Modification of the research plan;
• Restrictions on the investigator's role in certain aspects of the project; or 
• Divestiture or reduction of a financial interest.

Investigators are responsible for complying with University COI/COC policies, completing required annual disclosures, and reporting new or changed outside interests in a timely manner.

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1. Standards of Business Conduct
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5. Outside Interest and Employment
   1. Conflict of Interest and Conflict of Commitment