Conflict of Interest for Researchers

The University of California is a world leader in research. Throughout the University, on the ten campuses and at centers and institutes around the world, UC faculty and staff conduct basic and applied studies that contribute to the base of scientific knowledge and result in groundbreaking inventions, advances in health care, and vitally-important analyses of issues that affect the world.

Most of the University's research funding comes from public sources, such as the federal government. The State of California, industry, charitable foundations, and other funding agencies also provide research support. Like other universities, the University of California has put in place policies and procedures designed to safeguard these assets, and to address the complex relationships between the funding contributors and the University and its scientists and scholars.

Potential conflicts between the research interests and financial interests arise in the context of sponsored research for several reasons. First, the University has a responsibility to ensure that research funding accepted by the University promotes the general advancement of knowledge and/or has strong potential for societal benefits.

Second, research is an integral component of the University's mission--research benefits the teaching mission by exposing students to cutting edge ideas, and research may translate into applications that fulfill the public service mandate of the University.

Third, research has a financial component as well. Research dollars support salaries at the University, provide learning opportunities for students, and provide a basis for professional advancement.

The federal government and federal research funding agencies have issued rules and guidelines to address potential financial conflicts of interest. California law (the Political Reform Act of l977) also applies to certain research projects supported by a non-governmental entity (such as a private company). Further details on the complex rules are provided in the Conflict of Interest Policy and Compendium of Specialized University Policies, Guidelines and Regulations Related to Conflict of Interest. Each campus and University-managed Laboratory has staff who can answer specific questions.