Abstract

We will start the session with a common understanding of the phrases “conflict of interest” and “conflicts of commitment” and how these concepts overlap. We will then proceed to review real-life calamities that institutions have encountered relative to researcher conflicts, and the government’s investigation focus. Finally, we will focus on lessons learned by these institutions to identify, manage, and build infrastructure around conflict of interest disclosure and management. The key take away message for the audience is the following: weaknesses in institutional conflict of interest policies and procedures have challenged some of the most prominent research institutions in the world, and there is much to learn from the pitfalls and pratfalls of peers to help improve protocols in this area.