Guidelines for Conflict of Interest

These guidelines are established to provide guidance on the university's policy on conflict of interest and commitment, including outside employment. An implicit assumption underlying these policies is that the design, conduct, and reporting of research should not be biased by any significant financial interest and that outside professional activities of university faculty members and researchers must not detract from their full-time obligations to the university. Participation in research, or other professional activities with opportunities for personal gain, may not constitute an unacceptable situation. However, state and federal agencies have legitimate concerns that any research they sponsor is free of bias, due to financial interests of the investigator and institution; that funds provided be expended as intended; and that the commitment of time and effort be appropriate for the project supported. To qualify for federal funding, the university assumes the responsibility for ensuring that these concerns are addressed.

1. Definitions

2. Guiding Principles

3. Examples of Allowable Activities

4. Examples of Non-allowable Activities or those Requiring Management Plans (not inclusive)

5. Procedures for Declaring Potential Conflicts of Interest and Obtaining Approval for Management Plan

6. Initial Review of the COI Management Plan

7. Annual Review

8. Responsibilities

9. Management Plan for Potential Conflicts of Interest

Forms

• Financial Disclosure and Conflict of Interest [Word]
  
  
• Conflict of Interest Management Plan Annual Review [Word]

Related University Policies

• The Institutional Review Board (IRB) Procedures Manual for Faculty, Staff, and Student Researchers with Human Participants, Section 3.7 - Conflict of Interest
  
  
• University of Texas System:

  Conflict of Interest

• Handbook of Operating Procedures
  
  
• Regents' Ethics Policy
  
  
• Outside Employment Regulations