Compliance with university policies is expected of all Cornell personnel—faculty, staff and students. Principle 11 of University Financial Conflict of Interest Related to Research Policy 1.7 details that persons subject to the policy must report on time and comply with any plans developed to manage their real or apparent financial conflicts of interest. Sanctions are imposed when people do not report as required or fail to comply with management plans.
The FCOI committee and the Vice President for Research and Innovation are responsible for taking actions to address violations of University Policy 1.7. In addition, sponsors and government agencies may take actions they deem appropriate with respect to the research they sponsor or regulate.
Types of Non-compliance
Consequences for Non-compliance
Violations of the COI policy threaten the integrity of Cornell research, inhibit academic freedom and open dissemination of research results, and adversely affect Cornell’s ability to seek and maintain research funding. Given these severe repercussions, noncompliance with COI policy must be handled swiftly and firmly.
Appeals
Investigators may appeal actions taken by the COI committee concerning non-compliance. When the COI committee has voted to implement corrective action, the committee’s decision is final. Although the Vice President for Research and Innovation (VPRI) may request that the committee reconsider its decision, s/he may not override the decision. Note that units within the University or central administration may take additional steps to address violations of COI policy.
Any investigator who has failed to comply with COI policies should seek guidance from the COI office.