Conflict of Interest and Commitment

The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) is committed to conducting independent and fundamental research that upholds the highest scientific standards of integrity. This commitment is a core value of the Institution. WHOI recognizes its dedication to innovative research opens up opportunities beyond the research itself. Additionally, the Institution acknowledges that employees may have professional relationships outside of WHOI.

The Conflict of Interest and Conflict of Commitment policy reinforces WHOI’s dedication to research independence and integrity. The policy encourages commercialization and support the talents of WHOI employees who engage in outside professional relationships, while ensuring they fulfill their ongoing obligations to the Institution.

Conflict of Interest (COI)

A conflict of exist when an Investigator’ personal, financial, or other areas of interests could affect, or appear to have an influence on the outcome of the Investigator’s research. A COI can exist or create the appearance that a COI is present.

Conflict of Commitment (COC)

Conflict of commitment occurs when an individual participates in outside professional activity, paid or unpaid, that involves a commitment of time that may interfere, or appear to interfere, with fulfilling their WHOI responsibilities

Conflict of Interest Training

Conflict of Interest training is required of all PIs and many staff members (see Training List) every 4 years. The training is on-line, and you must first register at the training site. The results of your training will be stored in a database and are reflected in your Streamlyne disclosure at the Reporter tab. If you do not see your CITI training in the Reporter section of the Streamlyne disclosure, you may need to add your CITI Learner ID to your Streamlyne record. Please contact your Department/Center Administrator or email to coi@whoi.edu for instructions.

If you have any COI/COC questions please contact Institutional Compliance Officer Tennielle Hawkins at tennielle.hawkins@whoi.edu