With recent updates related to COI, the Research Compliance Office (RCO) would like to share a reminder of the basics:
- What are my financial interests?
Everyone should know their own financial interests and recuse themselves from participating in any LBNL decision involving those financial interests.
- Do I need prior approval to engage in outside work?
You need advance permission before engaging in outside outside work – submit a Compensated Outside Professional Activity request online through AskUs.
Outside work should not use LBNL time or resources, conflict with your LBNL work, or embarrass the Lab/UC/DOE.
- Are there restrictions on international engagements or affiliations?
DOE no longer allows employee affiliations or engagements with China, Russia, Iran or North Korea without prior permission. No employees or affiliates are allowed to participate in a foreign government talent recruitment program from any of these countries.
The permission process managed by the Research Compliance Office requires approval from the Lab Director, DOE’s Site Office, and ultimately the DOE Secretary of Energy.
- What about CRADAs and SPPs?
You should not be involved in proposing, approving, or performing work in a CRADA or SPP if you have a financial interest in the sponsor or an entity related to the work. Anyone involved in proposing, approving, or performing work in a CRADA or SPP should fill out a CRADA and SPP COI form; PIs should also fill out a 700-U form. Forms are available in the Sponsored Research section on our Forms page.
- What training is required for COI?
Last but not least, complete required trainings timely:
- The Ethics and Compliance Briefing for Researchers (ECBR) training through UC focuses on ethics and funding requirements related to conflicts of interest.
- Outside Business and COI training focuses on outside interests and conflicts of interest.
These are available via employees’ personal learning center profiles and on the UC Learning Center site.
If you have any questions on conflicts of interest, join RCO’s next Open Office Hours on November 29 at noon.
https://lbnl.zoom.us/j/95284817225?pwd=c01Ta0x5bUlFWm1CbHdmSDlxd3NwUT09
