Conflict of Interest

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.

• Conflict of Interest and Commitment 
  Brown University's overarching conflict of interest policy, which applies to all members of the Brown community.

  • Conflict of Interest Guidance for Family Members

• Brown University COI Policy for Officers of Instructions and Research
  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

  • 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.

  • 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.

• 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.