Conflict of Commitment
A Conflict of Commitment (COC) may arise when outside professional activities, appointments, affiliations, or other external commitments interfere—or reasonably appear to interfere—with an individual's ability to fulfill their responsibilities to Stony Brook University.
Outside professional activities—including consulting, entrepreneurship, scientific collaboration, professional service, and domestic and international appointments—are important components of academic and professional life and generally do not create concerns.
Most outside professional activities do not constitute a Conflict of Commitment. Disclosure and institutional review help identify situations in which outside activities may create competing responsibilities or require additional coordination or management.
Conflict of Commitment is one component of Stony Brook University's Research Conflict of Interest and Conflict of Commitment (COI/COC) Program.
For information about disclosure requirements, University review, sponsor requirements, and management of identified conflicts, visit the Research COI/COC Program page.
What Is a Conflict of Commitment?
A Conflict of Commitment may exist when outside professional activities or external obligations interfere—or reasonably appear to interfere—with an individual's ability to fulfill their University responsibilities.
A research-related Conflict of Commitment may arise when an outside activity or relationship:
- interferes with the time or effort committed to University responsibilities or sponsored research;
- creates competing professional responsibilities to another institution or organization;
- affects an individual's ability to fulfill commitments made to a research sponsor;
- involves an outside appointment, employment relationship, or other ongoing professional responsibility that overlaps with University responsibilities; or
- otherwise creates competing obligations that may affect the individual's ability to fulfill their University responsibilities.
A Conflict of Commitment does not imply wrongdoing. Many outside professional activities can be appropriately accommodated through disclosure, transparency, coordination, and, when necessary, appropriate management measures.
Common Activities That May Present Conflict of Commitment Considerations
The following activities do not necessarily constitute a Conflict of Commitment. Depending on the nature, duration, responsibilities, and relationship to an individual's University activities, however, they may require disclosure or institutional review.
Outside Academic Appointments
Examples include:
- faculty appointments at another institution;
- adjunct or affiliate appointments;
- visiting professor or visiting scientist appointments;
- honorary academic appointments;
- research institute affiliations; and
- appointments with domestic or international research organizations.
Outside Professional Activities
Examples include:
- consulting related to your field of expertise;
- long-term consulting relationships;
- service on scientific or technical advisory boards;
- board of director or executive positions;
- leadership of startup companies; and
- leadership positions in nonprofit organizations.
International Appointments and Affiliations
Examples include:
- foreign academic appointments;
- international research affiliations;
- visiting researcher appointments;
- participation in international research institutes or centers;
- foreign government-sponsored professional or research activities; and
- other international appointments involving ongoing responsibilities.
Participation in certain foreign talent recruitment programs may also be subject to separate University and federal sponsor restrictions.
Learn more about Foreign Talent Recruitment Programs
Outside Research Support and Resources
External research arrangements may also create commitment or disclosure considerations when they involve:
- research support provided directly to an individual;
- in-kind research support;
- laboratory space or equipment provided by another institution;
- students, postdoctoral researchers, or other research personnel supported by another organization; or
- other externally provided resources associated with an individual's research activities.
These arrangements may also be subject to federal sponsor disclosure requirements.
Learn more about Federal Sponsor Disclosure Requirements
Conflict of Commitment and Sponsored Research
Outside professional activities may have additional implications when an individual participates in sponsored research.
For example, an outside activity may warrant review when it:
- overlaps with effort committed to a sponsored project;
- creates responsibilities to another institution or organization that compete with sponsored research obligations;
- involves an appointment, affiliation, or research resource that must be disclosed to a federal sponsor; or
- affects an individual's ability to meet the terms and conditions of an award.
Federal sponsors may impose disclosure or other requirements that are separate from the University's determination of whether a Conflict of Commitment exists.
Conflict of Commitment vs. Conflict of Interest
Although related, these concepts address different issues.
| Conflict of Commitment | Conflict of Interest |
|---|---|
| Outside professional activities or commitments | Financial or personal interests |
| Time and effort commitments | Equity, consulting income, royalties, or other financial interests |
| Outside appointments and affiliations | Financial relationships with external entities |
| Ability to fulfill University responsibilities | Potential for bias in research or institutional decision-making |
An external activity or relationship may involve both a Conflict of Commitment and a Conflict of Interest.
Learn more about Conflict of Interest
How Are Conflicts of Commitment Addressed?
Identification of a Conflict of Commitment does not necessarily mean that an outside activity must end.
When a Conflict of Commitment is identified, the University may establish appropriate measures to address competing responsibilities while supporting appropriate outside professional engagement.
Depending on the circumstances, measures may include clarification of University responsibilities, coordination of outside activities, adjustment of commitments or responsibilities, sponsor disclosure, or other appropriate safeguards.
Learn more about the Research COI/COC Program and conflict management
When Should I Contact ORS?
Consider contacting ORS if you are unsure whether an outside professional activity, appointment, affiliation, or other commitment may affect your research or sponsored-project responsibilities, particularly when considering:
- an appointment or affiliation with another academic or research institution;
- a visiting, honorary, adjunct, or other external appointment;
- an ongoing consulting arrangement related to your research;
- a scientific advisory or research leadership role with an external organization;
- an international research appointment or affiliation;
- outside research support or resources;
- participation in a foreign talent recruitment program; or
- another external activity that may overlap with sponsored research commitments or sponsor disclosure requirements.
For disclosure requirements, University review procedures, sponsor requirements, and management of identified conflicts, visit the Research COI/COC Program page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Visit the Frequently Asked Questions page for answers to common questions about:
- outside appointments;
- consulting activities;
- international affiliations;
- startup companies;
- sponsor disclosure requirements;
- foreign talent recruitment programs; and
- research-related Conflict of Commitment requirements.
Related Policies and Resources
University Policies and Guidance
- Disclosure of External Interests & Commitments Policy
- Provost's Office – Approval Process for Faculty Members Offered Appointments at Foreign and Domestic Institutions
- Provost's Office – Outside Consulting Work
- Policy on International Engagements
- Guidelines for Faculty Startup Companies (Agreements must be in place between a faculty member and student before student participation in a startup company begins.)
Federal Sponsor Guidance
Many federal sponsors require disclosure and institutional review of outside professional activities, appointments, affiliations, and sources of research support.
Relevant guidance includes:
- Department of Health and Human Services Federal Register notice of the revised Rules and Regulations effective August 25, 2011
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service regulations
Note: Some Non-PHS agencies have adopted the DHHS regulations