Faculty and non-faculty EHRA staff are encouraged to engage in outside relationships with commercial companies, the nonprofit sector, and federal and state governments if the activities are consistent with the mission of the University. Such partnerships in support of the University\u2019s three-fold mission of teaching, research, and service are encouraged when they produce mutual benefits to participants as well as benefits to society. Facilitating the transfer of technology to improve the health and productivity of society is an important goal of cooperative university-industry and faculty-industry relationships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The number and complexity of relationships between universities and public and private organizations have grown substantially in recent years, which has increased the concern about conflicts of interest and commitment. All members of the University community are expected to avoid conflicts of interest and conflicts of commitment that have the potential to compromise their objectivity in carrying out their institutional responsibilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The purpose of UNC Charlotte\u2019s Policy on Conflicts of Interest and Commitment<\/a> is to provide guidelines for those relationships that will help to ensure academic integrity and ensure compliance with federal and state requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The term \u201cConflict of Interest\u201d refers to situations in which financial or other personal considerations may directly and significantly affect, or have the appearance of directly and significantly affecting, a person\u2019s judgment in exercising their University responsibilities. Such situations do not necessarily imply wrong-doing or inappropriate activities. However, it is important that these situations are disclosed and appropriately managed.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n The term \u201cConflict of Commitment\u201d relates to the distribution of effort between one\u2019s University appointment and one\u2019s outside activities. The latter may include professionally related activities such as involvement with professional societies, participation on review panels, and external professional activities for pay. These activities often promote professional development.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n UNC Charlotte affiliated personnel<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n University Policy 101.24<\/a>, Conflicts of Interest and Commitment, applies to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Disclosures must include the Financial Interests of immediate family members (i.e., spouse and dependent children).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Individuals responsible for the design, conduct, or reporting of a Public Health Service (PHS) funded research project are also required to disclose sponsored travel and paid authorships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Subrecipients and Independent Contractors<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Individuals meeting the definition of Investigator (i.e. responsible for the design, conduct, or reporting of a funded research project) may include non-university personnel, such as subcontractor employees, collaborators, or consultants\/independent contractors. If the project is NSF or PHS funded and the subrecipient\u2019s home institution does not have a compliant COI Policy, then that subrecipient must agree in writing to comply with the UNC Charlotte COI Policy. Independent Contractors that meet the definition of Investigator are always subject to UNC Charlotte\u2019s COI Policy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Note: Phase I Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) or Phase I Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) grants are excluded from the PHS COI regulations. However, Phases II & III are not excluded from the PHS COI regulations.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n PLEASE NOTE:<\/strong> Grant proposals and MOUs (memoranda of understanding) may not be submitted and projects will not receive final approval until disclosure forms are received from ALL personnel listed on the project. Funding will not be released until any potential conflicts have been reviewed and managed, and training has been completed.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n Niner Research<\/a> is the University\u2019s research management system; all Annual Conflict of Interest disclosures and External Professional Activity for Pay (EPAP) submissions are submitted in Niner Research. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Annual Conflict of Interest Disclosure <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n EPAP (External Professional Activity for Pay) submissions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n All faculty members and non-administrative personnel listed on funded research projects are required to take training related to conflicts of interest. This training is now incorporated into the Niner Research COI disclosure form.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Training for investigators is now integrated into the Conflict of Interest disclosure form.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Access these links for disclosure assistance and locating the Niner Research portal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
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Resources & Contact Information<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Disclosure and Training Resources<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Related Policies and Guidelines<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Public Health Service (PHS) 2011 Revised Regulation Resources<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Other Useful Information<\/h3>\n\n\n\n