Conflicts of Interest

Conflicts of interest are common and practically unavoidable in a modern research university. However, USF Health employees should conduct their affairs so as to avoid or minimize conflicts of commitment or interest, and must respond appropriately when conflicts of commitment or interest arise.

General

• Types of Conflicts of Interest
• Conflicts of Interest Review Processes

University Policies:

Note: The USF Health Policy on Conflicts of Interest and Conflicts of Commitment applies to employees of USF Health as well as individuals who conduct research involving human subjects. For conflicts of interest policies relating to the rest of University System, click here.

• USF Health Policy on Conflicts of Interest and Conflicts of Commitment (applies to USF Health- Affiliated Individuals and Investigators Conducting Research Involving Human Subjects)
  • Definitions
  • Conflict of Interest in Research Involving Human Subjects (All Investigators)
  • Conflict of Interest in Basic Sciences Research (USF Health only)
  • Process for Reporting Conflicts of Interest in Research
  • Conflict of Commitment (University Duties vs. Outside Activities) (USF Health only)
  • Conflict of Interest with University Employment (USF Health only) Process for Reporting Outside Activity
  • Institutional Conflicts of Interest
• USF Policy 0-309, Conflicts of Interest in Sponsored Research (applies to all other Investigators and Non-Human Subjects Research)

Related University Forms:

• Financial Interest Disclosure Form (For Investigators Only)
• USF Health Report of Outside Activity (For All USF Health Employees)
• Disclosure of Information Form for Commercial Enterprise (For USF Health Employees participating in a commercial enterprise to market University research-based technology)

University Regulations:

• USF Rule, 6C4-10.206, Employee Ethical Obligations: Conflicts of Interest and Outside Employment; Employment of Relatives; Seeking or Holding Public Office

Florida Law:

• Code of Ethics for Public Officers and Employees

Federal Policies:

• FDA Regulations, "Financial Disclosure By Clinical Investigators" (21 CFR Part 54) (April 1, 2002)
• PHS Regulations, "Responsibility of Applicants for Promoting Objectivity in Research for Which PHS Funding Is Sought" (42 CFR Part 50, Subpart F) (July 11, 1995)
• NSF Investigator Financial Disclosure Policy (June 30, 1994)
• Frequently Asked Questions Concerning the Department of Health and Human Services Objectivity in Research Regulations and the National Science Foundation Investigator Financial Disclosure Policy (July 3,1996)

Related University Policies:

• Candidacy of Employees for Public Office
• Statement of Policy Regarding Inventions and Works
• Use of University Space
• Appropriate Use of Information Technology Resources
• University Copyright Policy

USF Health Conflict of Interest Committee

Other Resources

• Moving Beyond Disclosure, from Science (February 9, 2001)