Potential U.S. Federal Government Shutdown: Research Continuity Guidance

Conflicts of Interest

Identifying and managing financial conflicts of interest related to research

Cornell follows best practices for reporting and management of Financial Conflict of Interest (FCOI) related to research. Everyone required to complete a COI report will receive an email directing them to do so.

Log in to complete your COI report.

  • For more information about COI policies, federal regulations, reporting requirements, and management of conflicts, contact coi@cornell.edu.
  • For help, questions, or feedback about the RASS-COI system, contact the Research Administration Support Systems (RASS) team at rass@research.cornell.edu.

What is a Financial Conflict of Interest Related to Research?

A Financial Conflict of Interest (FCOI) related to research exists when a financial interest – or other opportunity for personal financial gain – is likely to compromise or influence—or appear to compromise or influence—the objective design, conduct, reporting, or direct administration of research, the integrity of research, or the public’s trust in research. FCOIs are a set of intersecting relationships, and although they are not inherently bad, they must be properly managed to protect the integrity of Cornell research.

The Office of Research Integrity and Assurance (ORIA) administers FCOIs related to research. After a careful review of the COI reports, if necessary, ORIA puts Conflict Management Plans (CMPs) in place with the guidance of the FCOI Committee, per University Policy 1.7, Financial Conflict of Interest Related to Research. For Conflicts of Interest and Commitment excluding FCOIs related to research, please see University Policy 4.14, Conflicts of Interest and Commitment (Excluding Financial Conflict of Interest Related to Research).

Looking for Guidance?

For information about how to navigate COI issues between your financial interests and research activities, see the following pages.

COI Reporting

If you receive an email directing you to complete a COI report, it is because university policies dictate that you must do so, given your role and/or activities on behalf of Cornell. If you receive one of these emails, do not ignore it: these emails are sent only to people who must report. Non-compliance with reporting requirements and failure to update your reported information in a timely manner can result in sanctions per University Policy 1.7, Financial Conflict of Interest Related to Research.

Research Personnel who must Submit a COI Report

You must complete a COI report if you have an academic title (which includes but is not limited to Professor, Postdoc, Lecturer, Research Associate, etc.) or if you are considered “research personnel,” regardless of whether or not your research is funded.

  • For sponsored research: Principal investigators, co-principal investigators, co-investigators, key personnel, and anyone who is involved in the design, conduct, reporting, or direct administration of research.
  • For non-sponsored research: Those whose role on the research project is synonymous with the roles described above, for sponsored research.
  • For IRB protocols: Non-student principal investigators and co-investigators.