Financial Conflict of Interest (FCOI) refers to a framework of financial disclosure and reporting requirements imposed by United States Federal regulations with the aim of ensuring objectivity in research. The framework requires investigators to disclose to their institution any significant financial interests related to their institutional responsibilities that could directly and significantly affect the design, conduct, or reporting of research. The University’s Financial Conflict of Interest Policy defines what constitutes a significant financial interest for the purposes of the U.S. federal regulations. Identified conflicts are reviewed and, where necessary, managed or mitigated to protect the integrity of the research and maintain public trust. Compliance with FCOI requirements is a condition of receiving funding from U.S. federal agencies and is supported by institutional policies and oversight processes. Part of this compliance involves ongoing training on the regulations and the institution’s Financial Conflict of Interest Policy. Disclosure obligations apply at several stages, including prior to bid submission. Researchers intending to apply for U.S. federal funding must ensure that any relevant significant financial interest are disclosed in advance to the Edinburgh Research Office so that they can be assessed and, where necessary, managed or reported in accordance with regulatory timelines. Financial Conflict of Interest Policy - University of Edinburgh Document The University of Edinburgh Financial Conflict of Interest Policy (Public Health Service of the United States Department of Health and Human Services) (750.49 KB / PDF) Financial Conflict of Interest Procedure - University of Edinburgh Document The University of Edinburgh Financial Conflict of Interest Procedure (Public Health Service of the United States Department of Health and Human Services) (789.64 KB / PDF) Please note that the requirements of the Financial Conflict of Interest Policy and Procedure apply separately from, and in addition to, the University’s Policy on Conflict of Interest.Further informationUS Federal Regulation on responsibility of Applicants for Promoting Objectivity in Research for which Public Health Service Funding is Sought and Responsible Prospective Contractors (42 CFR Part 50 and 45 CFR Part 94)Read the regulations (online PDF)Contact usFor further advice and support on financial conflict of interest reporting contact FCIO@ed.ac.uk University staff can also find further information on our Edinburgh Research Office HUBsite (SharePoint). This article was published on Thursday 4 June 2026
