Louisiana Tech University and its employees are committed to the principle of free, open, and objective inquiry in the conduct of its research mission. It is essential that University activities be conducted in an atmosphere that is free of conflicts of interest compromising this principle. For the purpose of protecting both the integrity and objectivity of its employees in the performance of their University obligations, it is the policy of the University that conflicts of interest should be avoided where possible, or otherwise disclosed and managed.
Conflicts of interest are situations where an individual’s personal, professional, or financial interests have the potential to conflict with, interfere, or delay the performance of their job duties as a public servant. A faculty member while being allowed to use University resources, including office or laboratory space and secretarial services in support of his or her employment or research activities, must remember to separate their outside engagements while using University resources to avoid any potential conflict.
Conflicts of Interest can also include conflicts of commitment which occurs when there is a conflict between the allocation of time and effort between the individual’s primary employment and their external activities.
All University employees are subject to the Louisiana Code of Ethics.
University Policies Related to Conflicts of Interest in Research
Conflict of interest in research involves situations in which an investigator (faculty, staff, or student) has a significant financial interest that may compromise, or have the appearance of compromising, professional judgment in the design, conduct, or reporting of research.
- Outside Employment of University Employees (Policy 1416)
- Misconduct in Scientific Research or Research (Policy 7113)
- Conflict of Significant Financial Interest (Policy 7114)
- Authorizing Contracts Between the University and a Member of the Faculty, Research Staff, or Coaching Staff or a Company in Which the Employee had an Interest Under Specified Circumstances (Policy 7119)
- Code of Ethics for Public Employees (Policy 1410)
Federal Conflict of Interest Regulations
Public Health Service (including NIH) Investigator Objectivity in Research Regulation, found here
National Science Foundation Investigator Conflict of Interest, found here
National Institutes of Health Financial Conflict of Interest found here