Avoid, disclose and resolve conflicts of commitment or interest
The U of I System is recognized worldwide for the depth and breadth of its cutting edge research, innovation, problem solving, and scholarship. Crucial to that hard-earned reputation is the public's perception of our objectivity. Because we judiciously guard our objectivity, research sponsors and the public know they can trust and rely on our research results. This, in turn, fuels a demand for our services and creates an environment where knowledge and discovery flourish, both for our researchers and for our students.
To preserve our reputation as one of the premier university systems for both public and private sector research, we must aggressively manage conflicts of commitment and interest. This means identifying conflicts and resolving or managing them in a way that balances the integrity and interests of the university with the integrity and interests of the individual. If the conflict cannot be resolved or managed it should be reduced or eliminated. Objectivity is critical to our continued success; therefore, we must apply the same rigor to prevent even the appearance of a conflict of interest or commitment.
Associated Policies: