Foreign Influence on Research Integrity
As noted by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Advisory Committee to the Director (1), the research enterprise is subject to risks regarding peer review integrity and intellectual property protection. Although foreign nationals overwhelmingly contribute to enhancing the University of Kansas (and national) research community, some foreign governments have taken advantage of our highly productive and interactive research community by mounting systematic programs to unduly influence and capitalize on research activities.
The University of Kansas is committed to fostering dynamic research collaborations while also promoting full transparency surrounding all interactions with external sponsors, industry and foreign entities. In support of this vibrant research environment, we expect every member of the research community to comply with all university and sponsor policies. The resources below are designed to aid in this compliance:
- National Institutes of Health (NIH) Director Francis Collins testified before Congress in August 2018 regarding the risk of inappropriate foreign influences on research integrity. Watch the video
- Director Collins also wrote a letter to NIH awardee institutions, identifying three areas of concern (improper IP handling, peer review violations, failure to disclose interests). Read the letter (PDF)
- Advisory Committee to the NIH Director Working Group on Foreign Influences on Research Integrity
- NIH released slides outlining 3 key areas of concern — undisclosed foreign financial conflicts, undisclosed conflicts of commitment and peer review violations — from the 117th Meeting of the Advisory Committee to the NIH Director. View the slides (PDF)
- Department of Energy announced plans for an International Science and Technology Engagement Policy (PDF) and sent communications (PDF) outlining key points.
- Commitment of Time, Conflict of Interest, Consulting, and Other Employment
- Individual Financial Conflict of Interest
- Policies on Commitment of Time, Conflict of Interest and Consulting
- Conflict of Interest Disclosure Policies | Access online system
- NSF Current and Pending Support (“…all other projects or activities requiring a portion of time of the PI and any other senior personnel must be included…”)
- National Institutes of Health
- National Science Foundation
- Department of Education
- Department of Energy