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.
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Conflict of Interest and Commitment
Brown University's overarching conflict of interest policy, which applies to all members of the Brown community. -
Brown University COI in Research Policy
Review Brown’s COI Policy and Special Requirements for Investigators funded by PHS or foundations that follow PHS COI regulations. -
Electronic Conflict of Interest Reporting
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Faculty and Researchers: Faculty and researchers complete and/or update their COI Reporting form in InfoEd. See here for more details on electronic COI reporting for faculty and researchers. Please also review the special Requirements for Investigators funded by PHS or foundations that follow PHS COI regulations for additional reporting requirements.
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University Staff: University staff complete their COI reporting in Workday. See here for more information about staff COI reporting, which is facilitated by the Office of Human Resources.
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COI Review and Management at Brown University
Learn more about how Brown University reviews investigators’ reported information, manages financial conflicts of interest, and responds to Public Accessibility requests. -
Training and Educational Resources
Click here if you need to complete COI training. Educational resources includes information about regulations, regulatory updates, articles, and COI in the news. -
Review COI Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and find contact information for the COI administrative staff.