Conflict of Interest (COI) risk is a concern that many encounter over the course of their academic careers. COI policies are preventive strategies that protect an academic entrepreneur from broader repercussions after a concern for research bias has been raised.

A virtual panel discussion on Conflict of Interest was held at CHOP to address scientists’ concerns and inquiries. After Dr. Flaura Winston shared her personal story about COI, CHOP experts-- Zev Sunleaf, Janet Holcombe, and Patrick Egan-- answered audience-generated questions. While some of this discussion is specific to CHOP procedure, there is broad applicability regardless of your institution.

By the end of the Q&A series, viewers will be able to:

1. Define potential conflict of interests (COIs) in an academic setting, as well as understand some common misconceptions about COIs.

2. Describe the purpose and key components of a COI management plan, which includes the timeline for a COI analysis, committee review, and the steps needed for both CHOP employees and CHOP-based Penn faculty.

3. List resources for identification and management of COIs at CHOP and understand how to navigate COI in company-contracted sponsored research.

The videos are broken up by question and are available as a series playlist on the Academic Entrepreneurship YouTube. The event took place virtually on Wednesday, October 12, 2022.

Presenters

• Dr. Flaura Winston, Director, Innovation Ecosystem; Scientific Director, CIRP

• Zev Sunleaf, Vice President, Technology Transfer, Commercialization and Research Contracts

• Patrick Egan, Senior Director, Compliance Operations and Conflict of Interest

• Janet Holcombe, Vice President, Chief Compliance and Privacy Office

Click Here to read more about Conflict of Interest in Academic Entrepreneurship for Medical and Health Scientists!

Intro and Q&A Panel

The introduction and the Q&A session are listed below. The Q&A session is broken up by topic.

Introduction by Dr. Flaura Winston

How to manage Conflict of Interest for Company-Sponsored Research?

How Long Does it Take for the Compliance Office to Review an IRB, Protocol, Etc?

What is the Conflict of Interest Process for CHOP-based UPenn Faculty?

What Happens in a COI Meeting and What Happens in Committee Meetings?

What Conflict of Interest Situations Keep You, As a Compliance Expert, Up at Night?

Does Conflict of Interest Get in the Way of Commercializing Intellectual Property?

Related and Referenced Chapters

Alapati, D., Egan, P., & Holcombe, J. (2019). Understanding Conflict of Interest for Academic Entrepreneurs. In Academic Entrepreneurship for Medical and Health Sciences. https://doi.org/10.21428/b2e239dc.2cbc8ecb