Research Conflicts of Interest
Certain federal agencies and university policy (FSH 5600) require investigators on qualifying projects to disclose their Significant Financial Interests (SFI’s). These disclosures help identify and eliminate Research Conflicts of Interest (previously Financial Conflict of Interest) and protect research from financial bias.
Please review the policy at FSH 5600, Financial Disclosure Policy and the table below for the SFI disclosure and training requirements.
All investigators to whom the policies apply must submit an SFI Disclosure Form in VERAS, regardless of whether the Investigator has anything to report. Detailed guides for using the portal and preparing disclosure forms are found under "Disclosure Instructions."
For questions related to FCOI, contact 208-885-6162 or uifcoi@uidaho.edu.
NOTE: the below disclosure requirements for NASA apply to proposals submitted or projects funded on or after Dec. 1, 2023. Projects funded before Dec. 1, may be amended at the discretion of the NASA contracting officer to require SFI disclosures.
| US Public Health Service† | National Science Foundation | Department of Energy (Financial Assistance funds only) | National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Who is required to submit a disclosure? | Investigators* | Investigators* | Investigators* | Investigators* |
| When must an Investigator submit the disclosure to U of I? | Before the proposal is submitted | Before the proposal is submitted | Before the proposal is submitted | Before the proposal is submitted |
| Is a disclosure required even if an Investigator does not have an SFI’s to report? | Yes, indicate this on the disclosure form in Veras | Yes, indicate this on the disclosure form in Veras | Yes, indicate this on the disclosure form in Veras | Yes, indicate this on the disclosure form in Veras |
| How often are Investigators required to submit a disclosure? | Annually for the life of any PHS funded projects or within 30 days of a new SFI being discovered or acquired | Annually for the life of any NSF funded projects or within 30 days of a new SFI being discovered or acquired | Annually for the life of any DOE financial assistance projects or within 30 days of a new SFI being discovered or acquired | Annually for the life of any NASA funded projects or within 30 days of a new SFI being discovered or acquired |
| Where do I list the Investigators, Co-PI’s? | In the Veras Proposal Application, § 4.5 | In the Veras Proposal Application, § 4.5 | In the Veras Proposal Application, § 4.5 | In the Veras Proposal Application |
| Is FCOI training required? | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| When must the training be completed? | Before funds are spent or committed | n/a | Before funds may be spent or committed | n/a |
| How long is the training good for? | 4 years | n/a | 4 years | n/a |
| How may the training requirements be met? | NIH website training or CITI (In-person training is also offered once a semester via RCR) |
n/a | CITI (In-person training is also offered once a semester via RCR) |
n/a |
†Agencies within the US Public Health Service (PHS) are:
- Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ);
- Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR);
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC);
- Food and Drug Administration (FDA);
- Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA);
- Indian Health Service (HIS);
- National Institutes of Health (NIH);
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
*FSH 5600 defines "Investigator" as the principal investigator, co-principal investigator and any other person at U of I who is responsible for the design, conduct or reporting of research.