Conflict of Interest

Revised Conflict of Interest and Commitment Policy and Conflict of Interest in Research Policy

Revisions to the University’s Conflict of Interest and Commitment policy, as well as the Conflict of Interest in Research policy, were approved by the University Corporation at its October 2019 meeting.

The University’s Conflict of Interest and Commitment Policy, which applies to all members of the Brown community, outlines the University’s rules and practices for avoiding or managing conflicts of interest (COI) and conflicts of commitment (CoC) of its faculty, staff, researchers, and students.  All members of the Brown community should familiarize themselves with the revised policy, which lays out COI reporting requirements and includes a new section on acceptable personal gifts. 

The Conflict of Interest in Research policy applies to all researchers at Brown. The policy, which incorporates PHS COI regulations 42 CFR 50 Subpart F, details Brown's rules and practices related to the review and management of research conflicts. It also outlines reporting requirements.  The newly approved policy includes two new sections that codify existing practices at the University related to SBIR/STTR grant submissions and to prohibitions around self-funding of research involving personnel.

As a research university, Brown regards the creation of knowledge as central to its mission. Our faculty and students work at the cutting edge of research in their fields and collaborate with colleagues from around the world.

In pursuit of its mission, Brown encourages faculty to foster relationships with fellow academics, government agencies, private organizations, and industry partners that work to commercialize innovations and new technologies that will benefit society. In some circumstances these relationships can give rise to conflicts of interest (COI). However, most conflicts of interest can be appropriately managed.  

Please see the below links to learn more about where to report your outside interests, how COI review and management is administered at Brown in accordance with the institution’s policy, and to obtain answers to the most frequently asked questions related to COI.