Financial conflicts of interest in research occur when outside financial interests compromise the researcher's professional judgment when designing, conducting, or reporting research. The Integrative Behavioral Health Research Institute's Sponsored Research Financial Conflict of Interest Disclosure policy seeks to ensure the objectivity of research and balance among all competing interests that could produce bias in research.

Our policy is informed by and complies with the Responsibility of Applicants for Promoting Objectivity in Research for which PHS Funding is Sought (42 C.F.R. 50). Also known as the Financial Conflict of Interest (FCOI) regulations, it applies to any institution that receives funding from the Public Health Service (PHS) agency. An externally-funded research scientist, project director, principal investigator, or co-principal investigator completes IBHRI's FCOI training on 42 C.F.R. 50 in our Google Classroom platform before engaging in research related to any NIH-funded grant or cooperative agreement.

For additional information, please see the 2011 Public Health Service (PHS) Regulations and the National Institute of Health's Financial Conflict of Interest FAQ.

Federal Compliance Requirements

Use of federal grants, cooperative agreements, and contracts is governed by the Federal Grant and Cooperative Agreement Act, 31 U.S.C. 6301-08, which governs the use of grants, cooperative agreements, and contracts. A grant or cooperative agreement shall be used only when the principal purpose of a transaction is to accomplish a public purpose of support or stimulation authorized by Federal statute.

Researchers follow the standards for financial management systems outlined in 45 C.F.R. 74, which applies to awards and subawards to institutions of higher education, hospitals, other nonprofit organizations, and commercial organization.

All contracts awarded, including for small purchases, shall contain the provisions outlined in Appendix A to Part 74 - Contract Provisions.