Financial Conflicts of Interest and Conflicts of Commitment in Research (RCOIC): 
Overview

A Financial Conflict of Interest (FCOI) is a situation in which an investigator’s Significant Financial Interest(s) could directly and significantly affect the design, conduct, or reporting of research.

A Conflict of Commitment (COC) is a situation in which the time of occurrence or the duration of an Outside Activity could hinder an investigator from carrying out their research duties.

The RCOIC program provides the procedural structure for Significant Financial Interest and Outside Activity disclosure, review of disclosures, and management of identified conflicts.

The Conflict-of-Interest Management Committee (CIMC) is responsible for reviewing potential FCOIs and COCs and protecting the integrity of the URI externally funded research program in compliance with applicable federal and state regulations. The CIMC conducts its duties in a manner intended to promote, not hinder public/private partnerships.

In addition to the requirements of the RCOIC program, URI personnel must comply with the Policy on Ethics and Conflict of Interest and the Policy on Public-Private Partnerships in Research and Development.