FCOI Annual Disclosure period:
September is the annual disclosure period. Please update your disclosure any time from September 1-30 at the following link: Statement of Financial Interest.
The University of Alabama has revised the Policy on Conflict of Interest/Financial Disclosure in Research and Other Sponsored Programs as required by changes in the federal regulations 42 C.F.R. Part 50, Subpart F (grants and cooperative agreements) and 45 C.F.R. Part 94 (contracts). The revised policy is effective as of August 24, 2012.
What is a conflict of interest?
The University of Alabama (UA) realizes that actual or potential conflicts of interest may occur in the normal course of research and other sponsored activities at a vibrant university. They are inevitable, and do not necessarily represent any impropriety by employees if disclosed and properly managed. The key to identifying a conflict of interest is to evaluate whether there is a potential for improper personal gain or influence resulting from the dual roles the employee plays. Perceived conflicts of interest can be as harmful as real conflicts of interest. Therefore, it is UA’s policy that outside interests of an investigator should be reported. The Office for Research Compliance will review the disclosures and inform the investigator if they feel there is a potential risk that needs further management.
What does the Conflict of Interest Committee do?
The University Conflict of Interest Committee serves as a resource with respect to matters involving conflicts of interest and the identification, – management, mitigation, or elimination of specific conflicts of interest. The committee will work with the investigators and Research Compliance Officer to resolve potential or apparent conflicts of interest by implementing reasonable controls which are commensurate with the potential for conflict. The committee will also provide oversight for implementation of the Policy on Conflict of Interest/Financial Disclosure in Research and Other Sponsored Programs and recommend to the Vice President for Research and Provost all future changes/modifications to the Policy.
UCIC Meeting Dates
Who must file a disclosure?
Anyone who is responsible for the design, conduct, or reporting of federally-funded research, regardless of his/her title or role on the project or the receipt of funding must submit a disclosure. This definition includes adjunct faculty, students, volunteers, subcontractors, consultants, collaborators, research coordinators, research assistants, and other research staff.
When will I need to submit my disclosure?
What happens if I don’t complete my annual disclosure?
The University has developed this policy relating to conflicts of interest applicable to all UA investigators and the policy applies to all sponsored programs, including federal, state, and local government; industry; or not-for-profit sponsors. The policy also covers UA intellectual property licensed to an entity in which a UA investigator owns an interest or serves as an employee, officer, or member of the Board of Directors regardless of the source of funding. The policy is to be administered in conjunction with laws and policies setting forth standards of conduct including Title 42 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 50, Subpart F; Title 45 CFR Part 94; the Ethics Act of the State of Alabama; and University of Alabama Faculty Handbook, Appendix E, On Preventing Conflicts of Interest in Government-Sponsored Research at Universities.
Download: FCOI Policy
Frequently Asked Questions
Download: FAQs
Disclosure
Submit Online: Statement of Financial Interest
Training
Conflict of Interest (COI) training is required once every 4 years and should be completed by each investigator prior to engaging in any research or sponsored activity related to a funded grant or contract (refer to Section III. D. of the Policy on Conflict of Interest).
The COI training course is administered through the CITI Program, which is accessible via myBama. The course consists of a brief introduction and 5 other modules. Please click here for course enrollment instructions.
Instructions to enroll in the new COI course:
The CITI “Conflicts of Interest” course consists of a brief introduction and 5 modules.
If you have already completed the COI training, you will not be required to complete the new CITI COI course until your training expires 4 years from the date of initial completion. You will receive an email notification to renew your COI training prior to expiration.
Who should I contact for assistance with a conflict of interest issue?
| Tanta Myles Director – Office for Research Compliance cmyles@research.ua.edu (205) 348-5746 |
Mukesha Voltz Research Compliance Specialist mvoltz@research.ua.edu (205) 348-6638 |
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To request information regarding identified financial conflicts of interest held by UA investigators, please submit a written request, including the investigator’s name and project title, to the following address:
Office for Research Compliance
The University of Alabama
Box 870127
Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0127
