Brandon University Conflict of Interest in Research Policy, Study notes of Business

Download Brandon University Conflict of Interest in Research Policy and more Study notes Business in PDF only on Docsity! Brandon University Conflict of Interest in Research Policy Purpose Brandon University (BU) has an interest in ensuring that the conduct of research is not compromised by real or perceived Conflicts of Interest (COI). This policy is intended to ensure and maintain the public’s confidence in research. Brandon University holds trust relationships with participants, research sponsors, researchers and society. As such, BU may have financial or reputational interests including, but not limited to, the provision of education and the promotion of research that conflict with the University’s obligations to protect and respect human dignity as characterized by the core principles of this Policy. This policy is intended to: a. promote transparency, thereby increasing public trust in the research enterprise; b. create a culture of trust in the research community; c. help to educate the University’s community; d. strive to reduce the negative impact of COI; e. ensure visibility and consistent application of measures to prevent and deal with COI; and f. assist researchers in recognizing COI and to establish principles to ensure that COI are properly disclosed, and consistently assessed and managed. Scope This policy applies to faculty members, undergraduate students taking part in research, graduate students, postdoctoral fellows and all other personnel involved directly or indirectly in research, including, but not limited to, professional associates, librarians, research associates, instructional associates, adjunct professors, visiting professors, and University administrators and officials representing the University. Conflict of Interest: Conflict of Interest (COI) may arise when activities or situations place a person or the University in a real, perceived or potential conflict between their duties or responsibilities related to research and their personal, University or other interests. Conflict of Interest may occur when individuals’ or University’s judgments and actions in relation to research are, or could be, affected by personal, University or other interests, including, but not limited to, business, commercial or financial interests, whether of individuals, their family members, their friends, or their former, current or prospective professional associations – or of the University itself. COI that create divided loyalties may distract researchers, research ethics boards (REBs), and the University from concerns for the welfare of participants and are contrary to the core principles of research ethics. Failure to disclose and manage conflicts may impede the informed and autonomous choices of individuals to participate in research. Prospective participants need to know about real, potential or perceived COI in order to make an informed decision about whether or not to participate. COI may also undermine the respect for participants. It is preferable to avoid or prevent being in a position of conflict of interest, if possible. When it is not possible to avoid a COI, then it shall be disclosed to the appropriate people and steps taken to minimize or manage the conflict. Researchers, their University and REBs should identify and address COI – real, B.U. Conflict of Interest in Research Policy - Page 2 - potential or perceived – to discharge professional and University obligations, maintain public confidence and trust, and ensure accountability. In some cases, the conflict cannot be managed and the University, the researcher or the REB member may need to abandon one of the interests in conflict. When necessary, researchers may have to manage a conflict of interest either by disclosing it to participants or by removing themselves from the research. Examples of Conflict of Interest in Research In the area of research, particular vigilance is required to preserve public confidence in the outcomes of research. The following is a non-exhaustive list of some examples of COI in Research: a. where a researcher, or a proximate third party has a financial interest (e.g. the receipt or expectation of receipt of anything of monetary value, including pay or salary or other payments for services (for example, consulting fees or honoraria), equity (for example, shares or options), security or other ownership interests, and intellectual property rights (for example, patents, copyrights, royalties or options related to such rights) or personal interest (the receipt or expectation of receipt of any personal benefit (workplace or otherwise) of a non-monetary value. in the outcome of his or her research; b. where a researcher conducts research for a business or organization in which the person or related party has a financial interest, personal interest or holds an executive position; c. where a researcher undertakes research to evaluate a drug or device when the researcher or proximate third party has a financial interest, personal interest or holds an executive position in the business or organization producing the drug or device under evaluation; d. where a researcher directs research to serve the needs of a business or organization in which the researcher has a financial interest, personal interest or holds an executive position; e. where a person uses research trainees (e.g. students, post-doctoral fellows) or support staff of the University to perform services, for a business or organization in which the researcher has a financial interest, Personal Interest or holds an Executive Position; and f. where a researcher influences the purchase of equipment or services from a business or organization in which the researcher or Related Party has a Financial Interest, Personal Interest or holds an Executive Position. University Conflict of Interest A University conflict of interest involves a conflict between at least two substantial University obligations that cannot be adequately fulfilled without compromising one or both obligations. Conflicts may occur when pursuing particular goals, for instance, the pursuit of two different “goods,” such as an effort to obtain general infrastructure funding from a donor that conflicts with an effort to promote research that the donor does not wish to support. University COI may compromise duties of loyalty and lead to biased judgments. Conflicts may also undermine public trust in the ability of the University to carry out its missions, operations and ethical responsibilities in research. Brandon University may be in conflict of interest, for example, when we: a. sponsor a research project; b. manage the intellectual property that forms the basis of a research project or stand to benefit from intellectual property resulting from the research; c. hold equity in companies and/or receive major donations; or d. have conflicting roles carried out by one University official (e.g., the Vice-President (Academic and Provost) who is responsible for the promotion of research activity and funding and also for