CONFLICTS OF INTEREST IN RESEARCH
...............................................................................................
Conflicts of interest are inevitable at research universities and do not imply any impropriety on the part of the principal investigator. A conflict of interest may exist despite the highest standards of conduct and candor. A conflict of interest is defined as:
::::: :: “A situation associated with an investigator’s participation in UNM research where it reasonably appears, on an actual or potential basis that:
::::: :: the investigator’s significant financial interest could directly and significantly affect the design, conduct, or reporting of UNM research activities; or
::::: :: the investigator’s situation could directly and significantly compromise his or her professional commitments or allegiance to UNM.”
In other words, a conflict arises if an outside financial interest could put pressure on an investigator’s objectivity. Also, full-time faculty members and researchers must devote their primary professional efforts and allegiance to UNM. Other activities should not interfere with this responsibility.
Pursuant to regulations issued by the National Science Foundation, the US Department of Health and Human Services, and the US Department of Defense, the University has implemented its Policy and Procedures on Conflicts of Interest in Research. The policy applies to all research proposals, all protocols involving animals or human subjects, and all internal competitions (e.g., Research Allocation Committee grants).
A Conflict of Interest cover sheet must be completed by the principal investigator and a Conflict of Interest Disclosure form must be completed for each investigator. (Forms are available at the OVPR web site http://research.unm.edu/forms/unmforms.cfm or the HSC Financial Services web site http://hsc.unm.edu/financialservices/preaward/forms.shtml. These must be attached to the Proposal Data Sheet with all new or continuation proposals. The Conflict of Interest Committee will review any cases where a conflict may exist. Pre-Award will be unable to approve a proposal unless the completed cover sheet and signed disclosure statements are received. If a conflict exists, it must be resolved or managed to the satisfaction of the COI Committee prior to the acceptance of the award. COI forms are also required for subawardees and other collaborators from other institutions.