Conflicts of Interest in Research:
Overview

A conflict of interest is a situation in which an investigator’s outside financial interest(s) or obligation(s) (real or perceived) have the potential to bias a research project or cause harm to human subjects participating in a research project.

The Conflicts of Interest in Research program provides oversight of and the procedural structure for outside financial interest disclosure, review of potential conflicts of interest, and management of identified conflicts. The University of Rhode Island (URI) Conflict of Interest Management Committee (CIMC) is responsible for reviewing of potential conflicts of interest and protecting the integrity of the URI externally-funded research program and compliance with applicable federal and state regulations. The CIMC conducts its duties in a manner intended to promote, not hinder public/private partnerships.

As a URI faculty or staff member you are expected to comply with the university’s COI policies by disclosing any significant financial interests prior to submission of grant/contract proposals to the Office of Sponsored Projects and disclosing significant financial interests on an ongoing basis as required by research sponsored. Additionally, as State of Rhode Island employees, financial interest disclosures are required by the Rhode Island Public Private Partnership Act.

For more information refer to the following policies: