Legitimate research interests can create competing responsibilities and lead to what is commonly called conflicts of interest. Special steps are needed to ensure that perceived or actual tensions between personal interest and adherence to the fundamental values of honesty, accuracy, efficiency and impartiality do not occur. Conflicts of interest are particularly crucial in three key areas: financial gain, work commitments, and intellectual and personal matters.

Grand Valley State University

• Research Integrity Policy
• Conflict of Interest Policy

Department of Health and Human Services

• Office of Extramural Research Financial Conflict of Interest: Objectivity in Research
• Office of Research Integrity Analysis of Guidelines for the Conduct of Research Adopted by Medical Schools or Their Components

National Science Foundation Conflict of Interest Policies

International Committee of Medical Journal Editors Conflict of Interest Statement

National Academy Press Responsible Research: A Systems Approach to Protecting Research Participants

Association of American Universities Managing Financial Conflicts of Interest

American Council on Education Working Paper on Conflict of Interest