Conflict of Interest in Research

A conflict of interest exists where a researcher’s outside interests or activities could improperly affect, or give the appearance of affecting, the researcher’s activities at Columbia.

The University's official guidelines and policy statements address potential conflict of interest issues, in particular, conflicts that may arise in situations where faculty research is supported by public or industry sources.

Disclosure

University Officers

University officers are required to disclose any personal financial interest or commitment (including those of family members) that could give rise to a conflict of interest. The University requires all faculty and administrative officers (with certain exceptions) to complete an annual Conflict of Interest Disclosure Statement through Rascal, the University’s on-line research compliance system. The disclosure form solicits information concerning outside activities and financial interests as they relate to an individual's research activities and other responsibilities at the University. The Conflict of Interest Committee (Medical Center) and the Science and Technology Policy Committee (Morningside) review cases where there is a potential conflict of interest.

Research with Human Subjects

Personnel who plan to participate in the design, conduct or reporting of human subjects research must submit individual, protocol-specific conflict of interest disclosure forms. The Institutional Review Board (IRB) will not give final approval to any protocol until all conflicts of interest have been reviewed by the appropriate conflict of interest committee and addressed to the satisfaction of both that committee and the IRB.

Sponsored Project Proposals

Before any grant application may be submitted by Sponsored Projects Administration, the principal investigator must certify that all individuals listed on the grant have completed a current conflict of interest disclosure form. Sponsored Projects Administration will not submit any applications until all individuals have completed their forms.

Questions about conflict of interest issues can be addressed to the Office of Research Compliance and Training.