Conflicts of Interest
Research Compliance
Western recognizes the value and necessity of engaging with outside entities to translate research into beneficial products.
Transparency and appropriate oversight of these relationships promotes and safeguards the interests and reputation of WWU and its employees.
Conflicts of interest (COIs) can occur when members of the University community are in a position to gain, or appear to gain, financial advantage or personal benefit (broadly construed) arising from their University positions, either through outside professional activities or through their research, administrative, or educational actions or decisions at the University.
COIs are not necessarily negative, nor do they all require management plans. Many times, all that is needed to protect the investigator and the University is the disclosure of ownership/equity in a company. In order to ensure all Investigators are aware of their responsibilities and potential liability, WWU has enacted certain COI requirements for research proposals.
Federal regulations and university policy outline conflict of interest disclosure requirements for faculty and staff involved in the design, conduct, or reporting of research. Completion of required forms allow WWU to determine whether a Significant Interest constitutes a conflict of interest and requires a management plan.
How to use this page
This page provides an overview of the different types of conflicts of interest that may come up during a project and which WWU policies may be involved. More details are available on COI type specific pages that are linked further down on this page.
How to Disclosure COIs for Research Projects
Faculty and staff involved in the design, conduct, or reporting of research must disclose all activities, affiliations, and sources of support for any of their research endeavors.
Overview of Types of Conflicts of Interest and Related WWU Policies
Financial Conflicts of Interest (FCoIs)
A Financial Conflict of Interest (FCoI) occurs when a Significant Financial Interest (SFI) affects, or could appear to affect, the professional judgment of a researcher when designing, conducting, or reporting research.
FCoI Related WWU Policies
- Research and Sponsored Programs (RSP): POL-U4520.03 Patent and Copyright Policy
- Business and Financial Affairs (BFA)
Conflicts of Commitment (COCs)
A Conflict of Commitment (CoC) occurs when an individual accepts or incurs conflicting obligations between or among multiple employers or other entities.
COC Related WWU Policies
- Provost Office, Faculty Affairs: POL-U1500.09 Faculty Policy on Outside Work
- Business and Financial Affairs (BFA):
Malign Foreign Talent Recruitment Programs
WWU is committed to expanding research, teaching, and engagement activities, as well as making Western a center for the best faculty, students, and partners across the world. The university is equally committed to comply with all laws and regulations that intersect with international collaborations, including newer requirements from United States federal funding agencies designed to identify and mitigate risks with international collaborations, such as Malign Foreign Talent Recruitment programs (MFTRPs).
CoC Related WWU Policies
- Provost Office, Faculty Affairs: POL-U1500.09 Faculty Policy on Outside Work
- Business and Financial Affairs (BFA):