The University of Oregon’s Financial Conflict of Interest in Research (FCOIR) policy reflects the institution’s commitment to promoting objectivity in research - the foundation for advancing the frontiers of knowledge, and the basis for obtaining and maintaining public trust in research. The University’s policy is based largely on the Public Health Services (PHS) federal regulations and Oregon state law. The National Institute of Health (NIH) is the division under PHS that oversees the FCOIR regulations (see NIH website for FCOIR regulations).
- Members of the University community, regardless of title or position, who propose or are engaged in sponsored research and are responsible for the design, conduct, and reporting of research are required to declare outside significant financial interests (SFI) related to their institutional responsibilities and proposed future involvement with outside entities. SFIs include financial interests of the investigator's spouse and/or dependent children.
- The declaration provides information to assist the University in determining whether there is a real or perceived financial conflict of interest in the research. A financial conflict of interest in research occurs when the SFI could affect - or appears likely to affect - the design, conduct, or reporting of sponsored research. A financial conflict of interest in research may also occur when the sponsored research affects - or has the potential to affect - the declared SFI(s).
- Upon determination that outside financial interests related to institutional responsibilities pose a real or potential conflict of interest in research, the University may approve a management plan to mitigate or eliminate the conflict(s).
- The declaration process begins with required FCOIR training and is accessible through the Electronic Proposal Clearance System (EPCS).
