Conflicts of Interest in Research: Program Overview

Procedures and detailed guidance about applicability and requirements in support of University Policy 6110 are found on these pages:

• Program Procedures and Guidance
• Sponsor Requirements and Guidance
• Definitions

 

Introduction

The validity and value of research results can be questioned if there is a perception of a conflict of interest when conducting research. The Conflicts of Interest and Commitment Program at Wright State is designed to promote objectivity and integrity in research by managing perceptions of bias for investigators and the institution. This program supports University Policy 6110.

Avoiding the consequences of conflicts of interest or commitment begins with transparency. This involves the following activities:

1. Understanding applicability: Investigator understanding when the policy applies to them.
    
2. Understanding definitions: Investigators understanding the nature of Significant Financial Interests (SFI's) and re-portable external commitments. Investigators to whom the policies apply are required to complete online training periodically. Certification forms are designed to provide information to aid investigators in determining which, if any, interests must be disclosed. 
    
3. Transparency: Certification of an absence of SFI's or external commitments or disclosing those that exist to Wright State administration through CAYUSE. In accordance with federal funder requirements and as a condition of accepting funding, some disclosure information must be made available to the public.
    
4. Ongoing transparency: Investigators disclose newly developed SFI's that developed after the most recent certification. Absent the development of new SFI's or external commitments, investigators annually certify the continuing unchanged status.
    
5. Institutional evaluation: If SFI's or external commitments are disclosed, Wright State administration determines and confidentially documents whether the SFI constitutes a Financial Conflict of Interest that may be perceived to influence the research (FCOIr).
    
6. Management: If an FCOIr is identified, a management plan is developed to avoid the potential issues raised by FCOIr for the specific project.
    

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Annual Certification Campaign:  Basic Procedure

Route 1

1.  Click on the link in the reminder email  Your list of tasks
2.  Click on Submit 2024 Disclosure  Your list of previous disclosure’s
3.  Click  "+ New Disclosure" (upper right of window)
4.  Select Annual Disclosure from the popup window
5.  Complete and submit the Disclosure/Certification.

• Note: only Significant Financial Interests (SFI’s) need to be disclosed. An SFI would be reasonably related to federally funded or FDA regulated research/assessment. If it is not an SFI, it does not need to be disclosed. Check boxes in the screening questions provide details on minimum reporting thresholds.
   
• Note: there is no minimum for commitments to foreign entities.  

 Route 2

1.  Log into CAYUSE
2.  Click on “Your Name” (upper right)
3.  Select “My Profile” from the pull-down menu
4.  On the left, Select COI disclosures from the menu.
5.  Click  "+ New Disclosure" (button on upper right of window)
6.  Select Annual Disclosure from the popup window
7.  Complete and submit the Disclosure/Certifications

2024 Annual COI Certification Information (PDF)
 

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Training

• COI Part 1 and Part 2: Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI)
  • View instructions (PDF) on finding the CITI modules.

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Policies

• Research Conflict of Interest and Financial Disclosure (University Policy 6110)
• Faculty Handbook

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Questions

If you have questions or concerns, please contact Neal Sullivan at neal.sullivan@wright.edu or (937) 775-3418.