New federal regulations regarding Financial Conflict of Interest (FCOI) went into effect August 24, 2012. All Principal Investigators who are recipients of funding from the U.S. Public Health Services (including the National Institutes of Health) must meet certain requirements and complete a training program. See the Conflict of Interest in Research page for more information.
Conflict of Interest in Research
Every University researcher is obligated to make appropriate disclosure when, in the investigator's judgment and in the spirit of the University Policy on Conflict of Interest in Research and general University standards, there is a risk of conflict of interest or serious appearance of conflict. What is called for in such cases is full and current disclosure of all interests that bear on the particular instance of conflict. Wider disclosure of personal interests beyond that is not sought.
A Review Panel on Conflict of Interest (COI) in Research is established as a committee reporting to the Dean for Research. The Panel is charged with receiving and analyzing disclosure material; proposing to the investigator suitable adjustments in project arrangements when these are deemed necessary to remove or circumvent conflict of interest; and developing policy recommendations on conflict of interest in research for consideration by the URB or other appropriate University bodies.
Where external sponsorship of research is involved, there can be extra sensitivities concerning the potential for conflict of interest and, especially in the case of government sponsorship, conformity with agency regulations. For these reasons, the Review Panel periodically takes the initiative in actively soliciting disclosure statements from investigators involved in sponsored research. There is a provision on the disclosure form for a simple check mark to affirm, if that is the case, that no potential for conflict of interest is perceived by the investigator.
The following University entities ensure oversight and management of conflict of interest and commitment:
Contacts
Research Integrity and Assurance
87 Prospect Ave, 3rd Floor
Princeton, NJ 08544
Phone (609) 258-3105
87 Prospect Ave, 3rd Floor
Princeton, NJ 08544
Phone (609) 258-3105
Pamela Straeter, Assistant Director
E-mail: straeter@princeton.edu
E-mail: egraser@princeton.edu
