Financial Conflict of Interest

CSULB's policy on Financial Conflict of Interest establishes requirements and guidelines for disclosures (on both an annual and an ad hoc basis) of financial interests and professional relationships related to research projects, certifications of policy compliance, and processes that ensure compliance.  The CSULB Policy requires that Investigators seeking funding from an external sponsor comply with the disclosure requirements of that sponsor.

In addition, several federal and nonfederal agencies have specific requirements for disclosures related to their sponsored research projects; these include but are not limited to agencies within the Public Health Service (PHS), as well as the National Science Foundation. CSULB's Financial Conflict of Interest Policy (PDF)  provides specific guidance related to the requirements of those agencies, the California State University's and CSULB's.

CSULB's Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP) and Research Foundation strongly support involvement of academic researchers and educators with industry and private entrepreneurial ventures. Such involvements, however, can create an increased risk of financial conflict between the private interests of individuals, the entities with which they are involved, and the public interest that governmental funding serves. As an institution, we will strictly follow all federal, state, and California State University regulations for reviewing, identifying, and managing financial conflict of interest disclosures.

New Conflict of Interest Regulations Issued for NIH & Other PHS-funded Projects

New regulations with significant changes (PDF) regarding financial conflicts of interest issued by the Department of Health and Human Services went into effect August 24, 2012. These new regulations specifically impact PIs, Co-PIs and key personnel receiving funds from PHS agencies. ORSP has updated its Financial Conflict of Interest Policy and the procedures therein and implemented the CITI FCOI training in compliance of the new regulations for Investigators who are awarded PHS sponsored projects.

ORSP is your resource to answer any questions you may have regarding financial conflict of interest and the processes to ensure compliance. Please contact us at (562) 985-8147 or at ORED-Compliance@csulb.edu so that we may provide you with the necessary support to protect you, your funded research, and CSULB.