Conflict of Interest

Duke University policies require the disclosure, review, and, where necessary, management of relationships that might be considered a conflict of interest.

Conflict of interest (COI), which arises when a secondary objective could affect the performance of a person's primary mission, is a normal part of human existence.  The potential for financial gain is one of many potential incentives that can lead to bias in a subjective activity, often subtle and unrecognized by the affected individual.

The Financial COI Policy applies to the entire Duke community including all faculty and staff.  The Institutional COI Policy relates to Duke's potential conflicts rather than those related only to an individual.  Lastly, there are specific COI policies related to DU Trustees and DUHS Directors.

Duke is committed to advancing knowledge, including accelerating the translation of novel research ideas into practice.  The application of knowledge, its dissemination and utilization, involves engagement with outside institutions and persons.   In certain circumstances, these outside interests can rise to the level of a conflict of interest.

Duke's conflict of interest policies accept and encourage interaction with outside institutions and persons, and at the same time provide defined ground rules so individuals have clear boundaries within which to operate. 

For additional information on the Policies and annual disclosure process, please refer to the information in the links below.  For additional questions, please contact IECP.