Conflicts of interest (COI) and conflicts of commitment (COC) are among the most critical and sensitive compliance issues facing universities, hospitals, government agencies, and private research organizations.
This course provides a deep, practical understanding of the legal, regulatory, and ethical frameworks governing financial and non-financial conflicts that can compromise objectivity, bias decision-making, or divert professional time and resources. It explores the intersection of federal regulations (e.g., PHS/NIH, NSF, FDA, DOE), institutional policies, and professional standards, as well as the mechanisms for disclosure, review, management, and enforcement.
Students will analyze real-world case studies—ranging from faculty start-ups and foreign collaborations to board memberships and outside consulting—and learn how to design, implement, and monitor robust COI/COC programs that protect institutional integrity, preserve public trust, and support responsible innovation.
This course is ideal for research compliance officers, faculty leaders, administrators, legal counsel, principal investigators, and policymakers who must recognize, assess, and manage conflicts in complex academic and research settings.
Course Objectives
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
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Define and distinguish between conflict of interest and conflict of commitment, and identify their various forms—financial, personal, institutional, and organizational.
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Understand and apply key regulations, including 42 C.F.R. Part 50 Subpart F (PHS FCOI), NSF COI policies, FDA disclosure rules (21 C.F.R. Part 54), and state ethics laws.
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Develop and implement institutional COI/COC policies, including disclosure systems, review processes, and management plans.
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Identify and manage high-risk situations, including faculty start-ups, foreign influence, consulting, intellectual property, and outside board service.
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Integrate training, communication, and monitoring into a sustainable compliance program.
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Respond effectively to violations and enforcement actions, ensuring fairness, transparency, and protection of both institutional and individual rights.
