Standard for Assessing Actual, Potential, or Perceived Conflicts of Interest Related to Research

The following questions, although not exhaustive, will be used to identify real, potential, or perceived conflicts of interest:

Would the researcher be biased in any way that would affect the goals of the research?
Would an outside observer question the ability of the researcher to make a proper decision in light of possible private or personal interests?

Disclosure of Actual, Potential, or Perceived Conflicts of Interest Related to Research

Any potential conflict of interest will be voluntarily and immediately disclosed in writing by the researcher to the Vice President, Academic & Research (VPAR) or delegate.
A conflict is to be allowed only when it can be managed in a way that protects and serves the interests, integrity, and reputation of the College, as well as its legal and contractual obligations, and will stand the test of reasonable and independent scrutiny.
Where the VPAR or delegate is satisfied that the researcher can conduct the proposed study without compromise, the VPAR or delegate will provide the researcher a letter stating the same.
Where the VPAR or delegate determines that a more structured review is required, the VPAR or delegate will name an Ad Hoc Conflict of Interest In Research Resolution Committee (Ad Hoc COIRR Committee) to review voluntarily disclosed conflicts of interest. The Ad Hoc COIRR Committee will assess and resolve the potential conflict in a timely, fair, and open manner. If the conflict is irresolvable, it is in the committee’s purview to deny the research.
The Ad Hoc COIRR Committee will consist of:
1. Two (2) peers
2. The Vice President, Academic & Research or delegate
The Ad Hoc COIRR Committee will communicate in writing with the researcher regarding any decision with respect to the conflict and clearly outline any conditions of managing the conflict.
If necessary, researchers will be given the opportunity to relinquish or modify those interests that are conflicting such that the Ad Hoc COIRR Committee is satisfied.
In the interest of facilitating research, the Ad Hoc COIRR Committee will make reasonable attempts to provide a means of managing the conflict, rather than simply disallowing the research for the sake of avoiding a conflict of interest.

Allegations of Actual, Potential, or Perceived Conflicts of Interst Related to Research

Allegations of conflicts of interest related to research will be addressed under VCC policy A.3.6, Standards of Employee Conduct & Conflict of Interest. Allegations of conflicts of interest related to research and involving students will be addressed under College policies D.4.3, Student Code of Conduct (Non-educational Matters) and/or D.4.5, Student Educational Conduct. Individuals should advise the College of any perceived conflict of interest as soon as possible.

Conflicts of Interest Involving Research ethics Board (REB) Members

To maintain the independence and integrity of ethics review, it is of the highest importance that members of the REB avoid real or perceived conflicts of interest. For example, REB members are in a clear conflict of interest: a) when their own research projects are under review by their REB; or b) when they have been in direct academic conflict, have collaborated with, or have provided support to the researcher whose proposal is under review.
In the cases where a member of the REB has a conflict of interest pertaining to the research under review, that person shall not be present when the REB is discussing or making decisions on that research.
In the cases of disagreement over conflicts of interest, both the REB member in the alleged conflict and the researcher might present evidence and offer a rebuttal concerning the nature of the conflict of interest. The other members of the REB should make a final decision regarding how to proceed.
Senior administrators shall not serve on the REB as their presence casts doubt on the independence of the REB’s decision making.

Term	Description
Researcher/Investigator	The terms researcher and investigator are used interchangeably for the purposes of this policy; researcher/investigator, for the purposes of this policy, means an individual—a VCC employee (faculty, staff and/or administrators at VCC), student, or other—either paid or volunteering to conduct research or scholarly activity at or through the College.
Conflict of Interest	Conflict of interest, for the purposes of this policy and its procedures, means a situation in which a researcher’s/investigator’s personal or financial interests are in conflict or perceived to be in conflict with the College’s interests or mission, or with the proper performance of the employee’s job duties, responsibilities, or obligations. A conflict of interest may be actual, potential, or perceived: a perceived conflict of interest can be as detrimental as an actual conflict of interest. Such actions undermine or compromise public confidence in the College or the College’s trust in the employee’s ability to discharge work responsibilities and obligations.
Research and Scholarly Activity	Research and scholarly activity refer to an undertaking intended to extend knowledge through a disciplined inquiry or systematic investigation. Scholarly activity includes research; the dissemination of new knowledge through such means as publications, presentations, and exhibitions; and the application of new knowledge in professional practice and student learning.
Research Ethics Board (REB)	A decision-making body that reviews research proposals involving human participants to ensure that ethical principles are upheld.

Term

Description

Researcher/Investigator

The terms researcher and investigator are used interchangeably for the purposes of this policy; researcher/investigator, for the purposes of this policy, means an individual—a VCC employee (faculty, staff and/or administrators at VCC), student, or other—either paid or volunteering to conduct research or scholarly activity at or through the College.

Conflict of Interest

Conflict of interest, for the purposes of this policy and its procedures, means a situation in which a researcher’s/investigator’s personal or financial interests are in conflict or perceived to be in conflict with the College’s interests or mission, or with the proper performance of the employee’s job duties, responsibilities, or obligations. A conflict of interest may be actual, potential, or perceived: a perceived conflict of interest can be as detrimental as an actual conflict of interest. Such actions undermine or compromise public confidence in the College or the College’s trust in the employee’s ability to discharge work responsibilities and obligations.

Research and Scholarly Activity

Research and scholarly activity refer to an undertaking intended to extend knowledge through a disciplined inquiry or systematic investigation. Scholarly activity includes research; the dissemination of new knowledge through such means as publications, presentations, and exhibitions; and the application of new knowledge in professional practice and student learning.

Research Ethics Board (REB)

A decision-making body that reviews research proposals involving human participants to ensure that ethical principles are upheld.

VCC Policies	Policy Number
Prevention of Harassment, Discrimination, and Bullying	A.3.1
Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy	A.3.3
Standards of Employee Conduct & Conflict of Interest	A.3.6
Student Non-Academic Conduct	D.4.3
Academic Integrity	D.4.5
Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans	F.1.1
Ethics and Integrity in Research and Scholarly Activity	F.1.2

VCC Policies

Policy Number

Prevention of Harassment, Discrimination, and Bullying

A.3.1

Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy

A.3.3

Standards of Employee Conduct & Conflict of Interest

A.3.6

Student Non-Academic Conduct

D.4.3

Academic Integrity

D.4.5

Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans

F.1.1

Ethics and Integrity in Research and Scholarly Activity

F.1.2

History

Viewing: Conflict of Interest Related to Research

Last approved: Thu, 01 Jun 2023 20:31:21 GMT

Last edit: Mon, 17 Apr 2023 20:56:05 GMT

Policy

Procedures

References and Resources

Rationale and Additional Information

ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Category 1: College Operations

Category 2: Employees

Category 3: Students