Conflict of Interest Policy for Research

One of The Ohio State University's primary missions is to engage in research that will benefit society.  That research is funded by a variety of sources, both public and private.  In pursuing this mission the University must be concerned about both the actual and the perceived integrity of that research.  Moreover, together we are stewards of substantial public resources provided to us by the people of Ohio and the nation.  We must, therefore, be concerned about potential conflict of interest.

The primary federal research funding agencies have issued regulations designed to ensure that faculty members and others associated with universities avoid conflicts of interest if they engage in research funded by the federal agencies.  They require that universities receiving federal funding maintain a written and enforced policy on conflict of interest that includes financial disclosures, institutional review of disclosures, the resolution of any problems dealing with conflict of interest, and an enforcement mechanism.  The State of Ohio also has several statutes concerning conflict of interest situations, specifically Sections 102.03 and 2921.42-43 of the Ohio Revised Code.  The Ohio State University has developed the Interim Conflict of Interest Policy for Research that addresses both federal and state requirements.

A potential conflict of interest exists whenever an individual's personal ties or those of his/her immediate family could unduly influence a professional judgment.  Generally, conflict of interest can be recognized in situations where the possibility of personal gain may compromise, or appear to compromise, decisions regarding the purchasing of equipment, supplies, services, the hiring or evaluation of personnel, the selection of vendors, the operation of private business initiatives and the letting of contracts.  In research, conflict of interest may arise when the possibility of personal gain may compromise or appear to compromise decisions involving the design, conduct, or reporting of research including field testing and clinical trials.

Effective May 1, 1995, all faculty and other responsible for the design, conduct, or reporting of research or educational activities funded or proposed for funding by any federal agency, state agency, private foundations, industrial, pharmaceutical, or other outside sponsor are required to:

2.  File a Conflict of Interest form anytime a new transaction or activity is proposed that might involve a conflict of interest.

3.  Contact the Conflict of Interest Officer anytime there is a change in interests that might pose a conflict of interest.

Conflict of Interest interim policy and forms can be obtained from the Office of Research of the Research Foundation.  For more information contact the following designated Conflict of Interest Officer, Jilda Diehl Garton at 2-4284