University Policies
Policy Contact
Senior Director, Office of Research Integrity Email 401-863-3295

Conflict of Interest in Research Policy

Policy No. Issue Date Effective Date
10.05.01

1.0 Policy Purpose

The purpose of Brown University’s Policy on Conflict of Interest in Research (COI Research Policy) is to maintain the integrity of Research conducted at or under the auspices of Brown University. This COI Research Policy establishes the University’s conflict of interest (COI) compliance framework for Research activities and provides information about regulatory and policy requirements related to conflict of interest in research. The COI Research Policy is compliant with applicable federal COI regulations, including 42 CFR 50 Subpart F, National Science Foundation (NSF) 2005 Conflict of Interest Policies (Chapter V – Grantee Standards),  the Department of Energy (DoE) interim Conflict of Interest Policy Requirements for Financial Assistance in FAL 2022-02 (“the DoE interim COI Policy”), and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Conflict of Interest policy (NASA Grants and Cooperative Agreement Manual “GCAM” section 3.3).

Also, the COI Research Policy outlines Brown University’s approach to identifying, managing, reducing and, when needed, eliminating situations where Financial Interests, including Significant Financial Interests, of its researchers could interfere with or affect the objectivity of the Research, and to ensure transparency in relationships with Outside Entities as they relate to research activities.

2.0 To Whom the Policy Applies

The COI Research Policy applies to anyone who is an Investigator on Research administered through or otherwise conducted under the auspices of the Investigator’s Brown University affiliation, appointment or employment. 

Investigators must also comply with the University’s Conflict of Interest and Commitment policy and subsidiary policies, as applicable.

3.0 Policy Statement

Conflicts of interest in research may arise in situations where an Investigator’s personal, financial, or other interests could affect, or appear to affect, the conduct of their research activities. Having a conflict of interest does not imply improper conduct of research; rather, conflicts of interest must be identified and managed, reduced, or eliminated so that they do not threaten the integrity of scientific investigations and the public’s trust in academic research. 

3.1 Authority

The Provost has final authority over this COI Research Policy. Consistent with this responsibility, the Provost has delegated authority to the Vice President for Research to serve as the University’s designated Institutional Official responsible for implementation and ensuring compliance with this COI Research Policy and all applicable COI laws, regulations and external policies.

3.2 Conflict of Interest Reporting

Investigators are required to report to the University Financial Interests, Outside Professional Activities, and any other interests or activities, as requested, that could affect or appear to affect their Research, including their Significant Financial Interests that reasonably appear to be related to their professional expertise and Institutional Responsibilities. Conflict of Interest (COI) reporting is completed annually and at various transactional points, as outlined below.

  • Annual Reporting: Investigators must submit a COI Reporting Form annually in accordance with the University’s reporting procedures and time frames.
  • Transactional Reporting: In addition to the annual COI reporting requirement, Investigators must also comply with transactional COI reporting requirements throughout the calendar year, and in accordance with the University’s reporting procedures and time frames. Transactional COI reporting includes, but is not limited to, submitting a COI Reporting Form or certifying the accuracy of an existing COI Reporting Form when:
    • Participating as an Investigator on a new sponsored research proposal submission; 
    • Participating as an Investigator on a new human subject research study or being added to a study via an amendment; and
    • Being added as a new Investigator to an ongoing Research project.

In addition to Annual and Transactional Reporting, the University may, within its discretion, request that Investigators submit or update their COI Reporting Forms from time-to-time.

Investigators on the following awards have additional reporting requirements, which are outlined in Sections 3.10 and 3.11:

  • Public Health Service (PHS) funded awards; 
  • Department of Energy (DoE) financial assistance awards;
  • National Science Foundation (NSF) funded awards;
  • National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) funded awards;
  • Other sponsor awards that follow PHS, DoE, NSF, or NASA policies.

3.3 Conflict of Interest Review

The University - acting through its designated Institutional Officials and their designees, the COI Review Board, and the Office of Research Integrity - has the authority to and is responsible for:

  • Administering the COI Reporting Form submission and review process for Investigators;
  • Reviewing reported Financial Interests and Outside Activities, including Significant Financial Interests, that reasonably appear to be related to the Investigator’s Institutional Responsibilities;
  • Conducting COI reviews in accordance with standards set forth in the federal PHS COI regulations, 42 CFR 50 Subpart F, the NSF COI Policy, the DoE interim COI Policy, and the NASA COI policy, including
    • Determining whether any reported Significant Financial Interest is related to any of the Investigator’s Research, and
    • Determining whether any reported related Significant Financial Interest constitutes a Financial Conflict of Interest.
  • Evaluating and resolving identified Financial Conflicts of Interest, including how identified Financial Conflicts of Interest must be managed, reduced, or eliminated;
  • Providing appropriate oversight of identified Financial Conflicts of Interest and any related management plans with University officials and offices as circumstances require; and
  • Evaluating Financial Interests, Outside Activities, and any other reported interests that do not constitute Significant Financial Interests and do not constitute Financial Conflicts of Interest, but where it is determined that there are other conflict of interest concerns and/or action is needed to preserve the integrity of the research.

3.4 Conflict of Interest Management

When a Financial Conflict of Interest is determined to exist, the University must develop and implement a management plan that specifies actions that have been taken and/or will be taken to manage the Financial Conflict of Interest. 

A Financial Conflict of Interest may be managed through full and open disclosure of the Significant Financial Interest:

  • To all students and trainees and other personnel who are directly supervised by the Investigator or who work in the Investigator’s lab;
  • In all publications and presentations of Research related to the Significant Financial Interest; and
  • To human subjects participating in a study, the results of which could affect the Investigator’s Significant Financial Interest, via a written statement in the informed consent or provided orally, as approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB).

In addition, other actions that may be taken to manage an identified Financial Conflict of Interest include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Periodic review of the Research, the Significant Financial Interest, and related activities in the lab by a neutral party or committee;
  • Disclosure of the Significant Financial Interest to the relevant research team and provision of measures to protect members of the research team (e.g., where a power differential may exist);
  • Modification of the research plan to ensure the integrity of the Research;
  • Independent oversight of the Research, including appointment of an independent monitor;
  • Involvement of an independent statistician to review research results, data analysis and interpretation;
  • Change of personnel responsibilities;
  • Prohibition to participate in the Research;
  • Divestiture of the Significant Financial Interest that creates the Financial Conflict of Interest; and
  • Severance of the relationship(s) that creates a Financial Conflict of Interest. 

The University may also develop a management plan in situations that do not constitute Financial Conflicts of Interest, but where it is determined that there are other Conflict of Interest concerns and/or action is needed to preserve the integrity of the Research. 

3.5 Presumptively Prohibited Activities

3.5.1 Conflict of Interest in Research Involving Human Subjects

Conflicts of interest in Research involving human subjects require enhanced considerations beyond preserving the integrity of the Research, to include risks to the rights and welfare of participants. 

To protect research participants and preserve the integrity of the research study and data, the University has a presumptive prohibition against participation in human subject research by an Investigator in the following situations:

  • The human subject research is funded by an Outside Entity in which the Investigator has a Significant Financial Interest;
  • The human subject research involves a product or intellectual property from an Outside Entity in which the Investigator has a Significant Financial Interest; and
  • The human subject research is funded by an Outside Entity for which the Investigator serves in a Fiduciary Role (e.g., Board of Directors, Chief Executive Officer).

Exceptions to the presumptively prohibited activities may be made in compelling circumstances on a study-by-study basis. Compelling circumstances could include the nature of the Research, the risk level of the study (minimal risk vs. more than minimal risk, as defined at 45CFR 46.102(j)), the nature of the Significant Financial Interest, how closely the Significant Financial Interest is related to the proposed Research, and the degree to which the interest may be affected by the proposed Research.

Investigators wishing to participate in a presumptively prohibited human subject research activity must present a written request for an exception to the COI Review Board and the University’s Institutional Review Board (IRB). This request must include a list of compelling circumstances, and a proposal on how the conflict of interest could be effectively managed. 

3.5.2 Conflict of Interest in Research Involving Sponsorship, and/or Products from a Privately-held Entity

An Investigator wishing to conduct Research activities that involve sponsorship, including but not limited to funding or in-kind support, or products/intellectual property from a privately held Outside Entity, including a start-up, in which the Investigator has a Significant Financial Interest, should be aware that these situations may create conflicts of interest that can impact the scientific integrity of the Research.  

The following activities/situations are presumptively prohibited as they create, in almost all circumstances, conflicts of interest that cannot be effectively managed.

  • An Investigator’s Research at Brown is sponsored by a privately held Outside Entity, including a start-up, in which the Investigator has a Significant Financial Interest or otherwise holds a Fiduciary Role or executive-level position.
  • An Investigator’s Research at Brown is sponsored by a privately held Outside Entity, including a start-up, in which the Investigator’s current research assistants, trainees, students, or others over which the Investigator has supervisory authority have a Significant Financial Interest or otherwise hold a Fiduciary Role or executive-level position.

The COI Review Board may make exceptions in compelling circumstances, which will depend in each case upon the nature of the Research, the status of the Outside Entity, the nature of the Significant Financial Interest, how closely the Significant Financial Interest is related to the proposed Research, and the degree to which the interest may be affected by the proposed Research.  The COIRB may, within its discretion, consult other offices as necessary and appropriate in its evaluation of the compelling circumstances or it may refer a case to University leadership for adjudication.

Investigators wishing to engage in a presumptively prohibited activity must present a written request for exception to the COI Review Board. This request must include a list of compelling circumstances, and a proposal on how the conflict of interest could be effectively managed. 

Phase I of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIRs) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTRs) programs are exceptions to this presumption and the compelling circumstance requirement; in such cases, however, the COI Review Board will normally recommend management of the Financial Conflict of Interest that may arise with the Research conducted under Phase I SBIRs and STTRs.

3.5.3 Self-Funded Research

Investigators are presumptively prohibited from using their own personal funds or receiving funding from a Family Member or a Family Trust to support research efforts they are directing or conducting under the auspices of the University, including efforts that involve research personnel such as, but not limited to, graduate students.

Self-funded research can blur the boundary between funder and researcher, and may give rise to concerns regarding appropriate oversight, accountability, and conflict of interest.

As an exception to this presumptive prohibition, an Investigator may, in the normal course of conducting research, use personal funds to purchase low-cost, routine research-related items or to supplement travel.  Review and prior approval by the Office of the Vice President for Research is required if an Investigator wishes to use personal funds to purchase major or capital research items or equipment. 

Investigators and their Family Members wishing to support research projects at the University may donate in accordance with the University’s donation guidelines and policies. However, Investigators cannot donate to a research account over which they or someone they directly supervise has spending authority.

3.6 SBIR and STTR Awards

The purpose of the federally funded Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs is to promote research by U.S. companies engaged in innovation and commercialization of technology.

Only small for-profit businesses are eligible to apply for these Federal awards. Many small businesses that receive SBIRs or STTRs collaborate with universities and other research institutions. For many faculty-owned start-up companies, SBIRs and STTRs, in particular, provide critical funding opportunities. When applying for SBIRs and STTRs, it is important to be aware that the Federal Government places certain restrictions and limits on subcontracting under SBIR and STTR awards.

3.6.1 SBIR Awards

Under SBIR awards, the principal investigator for the small business must be a full-time employee (at least 51%) of the small business. Small businesses receiving SBIR grants are not required to collaborate with universities or research institutions. However, the SBIR program permits and encourages research partnerships. For Phase I SBIR awards, no more than thirty-three percent (33%) of the SBIR award can be performed by any collaborating research institution. For Phase II awards, no more than fifty percent (50%) can be performed by any collaborating research institution.

3.6.2 STTR Awards

The principal investigator for an STTR award needs to be (1) a full-time employee (at least 51%) of the small business or (2) a full-time employee of the collaborating research institution and have a formal relationship with the small business.

Small businesses receiving STTR awards must collaborate with a non-profit research institution, like a university. STTR awards require that the collaborating research institution perform at least thirty percent (30%) of the award. At least forty percent (40%) must be performed by the small business. The remaining thirty percent (30%) of an STTR award may be performed by the small business, the research institution, or third parties.

While small business-related research is encouraged at the University, it can give rise to specific conflict of interest and conflict of commitment concerns. The following general principles have been adopted by the University to address these concerns.

3.6.3 General Principles Pertaining to SBIR/STTR Awards

  • All work performed for, or in connection with, SBIR- or STTR-funded Research that makes use of University facilities, equipment, materials, employees, or students, must be performed under a fully negotiated agreement (e.g., sponsored research agreement or facilities use agreement) executed by the appropriate Institutional Official, in compliance with all applicable University policies related to the use of facilities and resources.
  • The principal investigator for a small business and the principal investigator for a University sub-award must be separate individuals, and neither may be a Family Member of the other.
  • A full-time (at least 51%) employee of the University may not serve as the principal investigator for a small business’s SBIR prime award due to likely Conflict of Commitment issues.
  • No University student, staff member, visiting researcher, or visiting scientist may perform Research under the University’s portion of a small business’s SBIR or STTR award, and concurrently perform Research under the small business’s portion of the award at or on behalf of the small business.
  • All SBIR or STTR subcontracts that the University receives from a small business, and that involve an Investigator who has a Significant Financial Interest or a Fiduciary Role in the small business, must be reviewed by the COI Review Board.

3.7 Disclosure and other Obligations

3.7.1 Disclosure

Disclosure is a method for ensuring open and transparent communication regarding financial and other interests that could affect or appear to affect research activities, and for informing collaborators, trainees, and the scientific community more generally of interests that may have interfered with objectivity and could create a potential for bias. Investigators should disclose any relevant financial and other interests, but must disclose relevant Significant Financial Interests and Fiduciary Roles: 

  • to students and trainees who are under active mentorship and who work on projects and Research related to the Significant Financial Interest or Fiduciary Role; and 
  • in publications and presentations presenting results or data that are related to the Significant Financial Interest or Fiduciary Role.

3.7.2 Other Disclosure Obligations

Investigators are also required to comply with any reporting requirements set forth in their funding instruments or established by external sponsors and agencies.

3.7.3 Gifts

Gifts, including equipment, given to an Investigator or the Investigator’s lab for research purposes must be reported on the Investigator’s COI Reporting Form. Investigators must also comply with University policy on the solicitation and acceptance of Gifts, as outlined in the University’s Policy on Conflict of Interest and Commitment.

3.7.4 Office/Laboratory Space and other Resources

In accordance with the University’s Policy on Conflict of Interest and Conflict of Commitment, Investigators may only use the facilities and resources of the University for University business.

Use of University space for Research by an Outside Entity is permissible under special conditions and only with an agreement formally signed in accordance with the Delegations of Signature Authority for Contracts. Use of University space for research by an Outside Entity in which an Investigator has a Significant Financial Interest or Fiduciary Role, must be reviewed, in advance, by the COI Review Board to determine if it is allowable and, if allowable, what management, if any, should be implemented.

3.7.5 Use of Students/Trainees

Any students, trainees, or other personnel whom an Investigator actively or directly supervises or advises cannot be involved in work at a privately owned Outside Entity in which that Investigator has a Significant Financial Interest or a Fiduciary Role. In exceptional circumstances, approval may be granted by the Vice President for Research, in coordination with the Graduate School, the Dean, and the Investigator’s Department Chair.

3.8 Appeals

Should an Investigator wish to appeal a decision made by the COI Review Board (COIRB), the Investigator may present the appeal within 90 days of the COIRB’s decision in writing to the Vice President for Research (VPR). The VPR at their discretion will consider the case with input from the COI Review Board and/or other offices as necessary. The Investigator may be asked to present the appeal in person to the VPR and/or the COIRB. The VPR will convey their decision in writing to the Investigator. The decision of the VPR shall be final.

3.9 Confidentiality

Access to COI Reporting Forms submitted to the Office of Research Integrity is limited to authorized individuals in the conduct of their official University responsibilities. Information will not be shared with any individual, organization, or entity outside of the University except where required contractually or by law, such as in cases of federal audits or investigations, or when Financial Conflict of Interest notifications are sent to outside research sponsors. Investigators whose records will be shared with an individual, organization, or entity outside the University will be notified by the Office of Research Integrity.

3.10 Specific Requirements for Research Awards Funded by the Public Health Service (PHS) or the Department of Energy (DoE)

The 2011 Public Health Service (PHS) regulations on “Responsibility of Applicants for Promoting Objectivity in Research for which PHS Funding is Sought,” 42 C.F.R. Part 50, Subpart F, (“the PHS COI regulations”) overseen by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the Department of Energy (DoE) interim Conflict of Interest Policy Requirements for Financial Assistance as outlined in FAL2022-02 (“the DoE interim COI policy”), impose special requirements on Investigators on research awards funded by PHS or the DoE as well as on the institution administering such funded research.

These special requirements apply to researchers who are Investigators participating in PHS- or DoE-Funded Research or research funded by a foundation that follows the PHS or DoE COI requirements.

3.10.1 Financial Conflict of Interest Training

Investigators must complete Financial Conflict of Interest training prior to engaging in PHS- or DoE-Funded Research. Investigators must be re-trained every four years and whenever there is a substantive change to the University’s COI Research Policy.  The University must also re-train any Investigator who has been found to be non-compliant with the PHS COI regulations or the DoE interim COI Policy and/or the University's COI Research Policy.

Financial conflict of interest training is administered by the Office of Research Integrity.

3.10.2 Report new Significant Financial Interests within 30 days of acquisition or receipt

Investigators participating in PHS- or DoE-Funded Research are required to submit an updated COI Reporting Form to the University in accordance with the University’s COI procedures within thirty (30) days of discovering or acquiring a new Significant Financial Interest.

3.10.3 Report Sponsored or Reimbursed Travel

Investigators participating in PHS- or DoE-Funded Research are required to report on their annual COI Reporting Form the occurrence of any Reportable Travel.

At Brown, the internal threshold for reporting and reviewing travel is $5,000 for any 12-month period. Exceptions to this reporting requirement are set forth in PHS COI regulation and the DoE interim COI Policy, and include when travel is reimbursed or sponsored by (1) a federal, state, or local government agency; (2) an institution of higher education as defined at 20 U.S.C. 1001 (a); (3) an academic teaching hospital; (4) a medical center; or (5) a research institution that is affiliated with an institution of higher education.

Investigators must provide information on the purpose of the trip, the identity of the sponsor/organizer, the destination, and the duration.

3.10.4 Public Accessibility

Under PHS COI regulations and the DoE interim COI policy, the University is required to make available to the public, upon request, specific information regarding Financial Conflicts of Interest identified for senior and key personnel on PHS- or DoE-Funded Research. The University is required to provide specific information relative to such public requests within five business days of the request.

3.10.5 Subrecipients

When proposed PHS- or DoE-Funded Research is to be carried out through a subrecipient, the University will: 

  • Establish, at the time of proposal submission, whether the subrecipient on PHS-funded Research has a COI policy that is compliant with 42 CFR 50 Subpart F or whether the subrecipient on DoE-funded Research has a COI policy that is compliant with the DoE interim COI Policy;
  • Establish, in cases where the subrecipient does not have a COI policy that is compliant with 42 CFR 50 Subpart F or the DoE interim COI Policy, whichever is applicable, whether the subrecipient will implement a compliant policy prior to accepting funding or follow the University’s COI Research Policy for the duration of the PHS- or DoE-Funded Research activity (if the latter, subrecipient’s Investigators must adhere to procedures and time frames outlined in the University’s internal COI procedures document); and
  • In cases where the subrecipient has a compliant COI policy, incorporate terms into the subrecipient agreement that establish obligations of the subrecipient relative to conflict of interest, including specific time periods for providing Financial Conflict of Interest reports.

3.10.6 Non-Compliance with the Special Requirements under 42 CFR 50 Subpart F or the DoE interim COI Policy

In the event of non-compliance with special requirements under 42 CFR 50 subpart F or the DoE interim COI Policy, the University must conduct a retrospective review of the Investigator’s activities on the PHS-or DoE-Funded Research project to determine whether any PHS- or DoE-funded research, or portion thereof, conducted during the time of non-compliance, was biased in the design, conduct, or reporting. Furthermore, the University must, to the extent required by federal regulations or policy, submit a mitigation report to the PHS or to DoE. 

Non-compliance with special requirements includes the following:

  • An Investigator failed to report a new Significant Financial Interest within the required time frame or the University failed to review a new Significant Financial Interest within the required time frame, and that Significant Financial Interest, upon review by the University, is then determined to create a Financial Conflict of Interest with a PHS- or DoE-funded research project;
  • A Financial Conflict of Interest is not identified or managed in a timely manner; and
  • An Investigator fails to comply with a Financial Conflict of Interest management plan.

3.11 Specific Requirements for Research Awards Funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

3.11.1 Report Venture or Capital Financing for Private Entities

Brown Investigators who are funded by either NSF or NASA must also report any Venture or other Capital Financing.

3.11.2 Subrecipients

When the University engages a subrecipient on NSF- or NASA-Funded Research, the University will: 

  • At the time of proposal submission, confirm the subrecipient’s COI policy complies with the relevant sponsor’s (i.e., NSF or NASA) COI Policy,  
  • In cases where the subrecipient does not have a COI policy that is compliant with the relevant sponsor’s COI Policy, confirm that the subrecipient will implement a compliant policy prior to accepting funding or that it will follow the University’s COI Research Policy for purposes and the duration of the NSF- or NASA-Funded Research activity
    • If the subrecipient will follow the University’s COI in Research Policy, Investigators on the subaward must adhere to procedures and time frames established by the University, including any set forth in the University’s internal COI procedures; and
  • In cases where the subrecipient has a compliant COI policy, incorporate terms into the subrecipient agreement that establish obligations of the subrecipient relative to conflict of interest, including specific time periods for providing Financial Conflict of Interest reports to the University.

3.12 Institutional Reporting Requirements

3.12.1 Reporting Requirements for PHS-Funded Research

For any Financial Conflict of Interest that the University identifies and that involves an award funded by PHS, prior to the expenditure of any funds under the award, the University, acting through its designated Institutional Officials and COI Review Board will:

  • Confirm that the Financial Conflict of Interest is managed or eliminated.
  • For Financial Conflicts of Interest that will be managed, develop and implement a management plan that specifies how the identified Financial Conflict of Interest will be managed.
  • Notify the PHS awarding agency of the existence of any Financial Conflict of Interest in accordance with PHS requirements.

For any SFI that the Institution identifies as creating a conflict or potential conflict subsequent to the Institution's initial FCOI report that is related to ongoing PHS-funded research, the University shall provide PHS, within sixty days, an FCOI report regarding the SFI and implement a management plan in accordance with institutional policies.

3.12.2 Reporting Requirements for DoE-Funded Research

For any Financial Conflict of Interest that the University identifies and that involves an award funded by DoE, prior to the expenditure of any funds under the award, the University, acting through its designated Institutional Officials and COI Review Board will:

  • Confirm that the Financial Conflict of Interest is managed or eliminated.
  • For Financial Conflicts of Interest that will be managed, develop and implement a management plan that specifies how the identified Financial Conflict of Interest will be managed.
  • Notify the DoE program officer listed on the related award(s) in writing of any Financial Conflict of Interest that cannot be satisfactorily managed, reduced, or eliminated in accordance with Brown’s COI policy.
  • Follow any other FCOI related reporting requirements specified in the terms and conditions of the award.

3.12.3 Reporting Requirements for NSF-Funded Research

For any Financial Conflict of Interest that the University identifies and that involves an award funded by NSF, prior to the expenditure of any funds under the award, the University, acting through its designated Institutional Officials and COI Review Board will:

  • Confirm that the Financial Conflict of Interest is managed or eliminated.
  • For Financial Conflicts of Interest that will be managed, develop and implement a management plan that specifies how the identified Financial Conflict of Interest will be managed.
  • Notify the NSF Office of the General Counsel in writing of any Financial Conflict of Interest that cannot be satisfactorily managed, reduced, or eliminated in accordance with Brown’s COI policy.

3.12.4 Reporting Requirements for NASA-Funded Research

For any Financial Conflict of Interest that the University identifies and that involves an award funded by NASA, prior to the expenditure of any funds under the award, the University, acting through its designated Institutional Officials and COI Review Board will:

  • Confirm that the Financial Conflict of Interest is managed or eliminated.
  • For Financial Conflicts of Interest that will be managed, develop and implement a management plan that specifies how the identified Financial Conflict of Interest will be managed.
  • Notify the NASA Grant Officer(s) listed on the related award(s) in writing of any Financial Conflict of Interest that cannot be satisfactorily managed, reduced, or eliminated in accordance with Brown’s COI policy.

After the expenditure of award funds, notify NASA within 60 days of any FCOI that the University identifies FCOI that cannot be managed, reduced, or eliminated.

3.12.5 Reporting Requirements for Research Funded by Other External Sponsors

For any Financial Conflict of Interest that the University identifies and that involves an award funded by external sponsors other than PHS, DoE, NSF and NASA, the University will follow any FCOI related reporting requirements specified in the terms and conditions of the award.

4.0 Definitions

For purposes of this policy, the terms below have the following definitions:

    COI Reporting Form:

    The COI Reporting Form is a University conflict of interest reporting form that is collected by the University electronically annually and at various transaction points from Investigators who are subject to this Policy. It requires Investigators to report to the University Financial Interests, Outside Professional Activities, and any other interests that could affect or appear to affect their research, including reporting their Significant Financial Interests that reasonably appear to be related to their professional expertise and Institutional Responsibilities. The Significant Financial Interests and Outside Professional Activities of an Investigator’s spouse and dependent children must also be reported if they are related to the Investigator’s institutional responsibilities.

      Conflict of Interest Review Board (COI Review Board):

      The COI Review Board is a Brown faculty committee that is appointed by the Vice President for Research and that is responsible for reviewing submitted COI Reporting Forms and for conducting COI reviews in accordance with standards set forth in the federal PHS COI regulations: 42 CFR 50 Subpart F. For all identified Financial Conflicts of Interest, the COI Review Board determines whether the Financial Conflict of Interest needs to be managed, reduced, or eliminated.

        DoE-Funded Research:

        DoE-Funded Research means Research funded by the Department of Energy.

          Family Member:

          Family Member means an individual’s spouse, domestic partner, parent, child, sibling, grandparent, grandchild, parents-in-law, brothers- and sisters-in-law, and step parent, step child, step sibling, step grandchild, guardian, ward, or member of one's household.

            Family Trust:

            A Family Trust is a trust created to benefit persons who are related to one another by blood, affinity, or law.

              Fiduciary Role:

              A Fiduciary Role is a position in which one has a legal responsibility of care for the assets or rights of another entity or person. Fiduciary roles include serving as a member of a company’s board of directors, or a position such as an officer or executive of a company (e.g., Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer) that requires high-level responsibility for the day-to-day management of the business.

                Financial Conflict of Interest (FCOI):

                Financial Conflict of Interest means a Significant Financial Interest that could directly and significantly affect the design, conduct, or reporting of Research.

                  Financial Interest:

                  Financial Interest generally refers to any pecuniary interests in and from Outside Entities. The term includes salary, honoraria, or other payments for services, equity and ownership interests like stocks and stock options, as well as intellectual property rights and royalty payments.

                    Gifts:

                    Gifts are contributions received for either restricted or unrestricted purposes in support of the university’s mission for which the institution has made no commitment of resources or services other than, possibly, committing to use the gifts as the donor specifies.

                      Institutional Official:

                      The Institutional Official (IO) is an individual who is legally authorized by Brown University to act for the University or, on behalf of the University, obligates the University to the Terms of the Assurance.

                        Institutional Responsibilities:

                        Institutional Responsibilities means an Investigator’s professional responsibilities on behalf of Brown, including research, education, clinical care, administrative, and other Brown activities and services.

                          Investigator:

                          Investigator means the project director or principal investigator and any other person, regardless of title or position, who is responsible for the design, conduct, or reporting of Research, which may include, for example, collaborators and consultants. “Design, conduct, or reporting” includes, but is not limited to, the following:

                          • Designing, conducting, and/or directing Research;
                          • Enrolling research subjects (including obtaining informed consent, if applicable) or making decisions related to eligibility for enrollment; and
                          • Analyzing, reporting, presenting, or publishing research data.
                          NASA Funded Research:

                          NASA-Funded Research means Research funded by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration through a funding vehicle, such as a grant, to Brown University.

                          NSF Funded Research:

                          NSF-Funded Research means Research funded by the National Science Foundation through a funding vehicle, such as a grant, awarded to Brown University.

                          Outside Entity:

                          Outside Entity means any for-profit or non-profit corporation, foundation, or other organization, including any governmental entity that is not a Brown-affiliated institution. The term includes the entity itself and entities that own or control, are owned or controlled by, or are under common ownership or control with the entity, with ownership and control defined as a 50% or greater direct or indirect interest.

                            Outside Professional Activity:

                            An Outside Professional Activity is generally an engagement in specific work or services for an entity that is not part of, or affiliated with, the University. Outside Professional Activities can be compensated or uncompensated, and are generally related to the professional expertise of the faculty member. Outside Professional Activities may include private consulting activities, service on non-University advisory boards, and engaging in entrepreneurial activity. Activities for which an authorized University official has signed a contract or agreement are not considered Outside Professional Activities.

                              PHS-Funded Research:

                              PHS-Funded Research means Research funded by the Public Health Service.

                                Reportable Travel:

                                Reportable Travel means travel that is either reimbursed or sponsored by a non-Brown entity, and that is related to the investigator’s institutional responsibilities. Reimbursed travel is travel for which the investigator is directly reimbursed by the sponsoring entity. Sponsored travel is travel that is paid directly by the sponsoring entity and is not reimbursed to the investigator.

                                Research:

                                Research means any systematic investigation, study, or experiment designed to develop or contribute to generalizable knowledge, including basic and applied research (e.g., a published article, book or book chapter) and product development (e.g., a diagnostic test, drug or device), and non-research projects such as training, clinical services, educational conferences, exhibitions, performances, archives, workshops, and library projects for which external funding is received.

                                Research also includes any such activity for which a proposal is submitted for funding from external sources through a grant, contract or agreement, including, but not limited to, research grants, career development awards, center grants, individual fellowship awards, infrastructure awards, institutional training grants, program projects and research resources awards. Research also includes projects that are internally funded (i.e., funded by the University), as well as research for which approval of an IRB (or IRB exemption) or Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) is required.

                                Significant Financial Interest (SFI):

                                A Significant Financial Interest (SFI) means the receipt by an Investigator or an Investigator’s spouse and dependent children of any of the following, provided that they appear to be reasonably related to the Investigator’s Institutional Responsibilities:

                                • Income that exceeds $5,000 from any Outside Entity, measured on a 12‐month basis. This may be one payment from a particular company of more than $5,000, or multiple payments from the same company that, in the aggregate, exceed $5,000;
                                • Acquisition of equity in a public company that exceeds $5,000 in value;  
                                • Aggregated income and equity/ownership interest from a public company that exceeds $5,000, as measured on a 12‐month basis;  
                                • Any equity/ownership interest in a privately‐held company; 
                                • Any income received from rights in intellectual property, as measured on a 12‐month basis; and
                                • For NSF- and NASA-funded researchers only: any Venture or Capital Financing in private entities in which the Investigator holds an equity interest.

                                Excluded from this definition are payments (including travel) received from or through Brown and income from investment vehicles over which the Investigator or Investigator’s spouse and dependent children do not exercise control, such as mutual funds and retirement accounts. Also excluded from this definition are payments received from any of the following entities, provided these payments are received for teaching engagements, lectures, seminars, or service on advisory committees or review panels:  

                                • Government agencies; 
                                • U.S. institutions of higher education and research institutes affiliated with them;
                                • Academic teaching hospitals; and  
                                • Medical centers

                                5.0 Responsibilities

                                All individuals to whom this policy applies are responsible for becoming familiar with and following this policy. University supervisors are responsible for promoting the understanding of this policy and for taking appropriate steps to help ensure compliance with it.

                                • Compliance with the Policy: All Investigators are responsible for becoming familiar with and adhering to this policy.
                                • External Reporting Obligations: In accordance with applicable regulations and research sponsors’ policies and guidelines, the University may be obligated to report identified Financial Conflicts of Interest to the sponsor of research that could be affected by the presence of the Financial Conflict of Interest. Additional special reporting and accessibility requirements apply to PHS- and DoE-Funded Research (see Section 3.10).
                                • Report Violations: All Investigators have a responsibility to report violations of this policy to the institution.

                                6.0 Consequences for Violating this Policy

                                Failure to comply with this and related policies is subject to disciplinary action, up to and including suspension without pay, or termination of employment or association with the University, in accordance with applicable (e.g., staff, faculty, student) disciplinary procedures.

                                7.0 Related Information

                                Brown University is a community in which employees are encouraged to share workplace concerns with University leadership. Additionally, Brown’s Anonymous Reporting Hotline allows anonymous and confidential reporting on matters of concern online or by phone (877-318-9184).

                                The following information complements and supplements this document. The information is intended to help explain this policy and is not an all-inclusive list of policies, procedures, laws and requirements.

                                7.2 Related Procedures:

                                • N/A

                                7.3 Related Forms:

                                • N/A

                                7.4 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

                                Policy Owner and Contact(s)

                                Policy Owner: Vice President for Research

                                Policy Approved by: Corporation of Brown University

                                Contact Information:

                                Senior Director, Office of Research Integrity Email 401-863-3295

                                Policy History

                                Policy Issue Date:

                                Policy Effective Date:

                                Policy Update/Review Summary:

                                Added language to incorporate new National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Conflict of Interest Policy requirements, as well as updates to the National Science Foundation (NSF) COI Policy. The update was based on changes to federal policies and was approved by the Vice President for Research.