A conflict of interest is any situation in which an investigator has the opportunity, or appears to have the opportunity, to influence the results of a clinical trial, or to use resources, or confidential or proprietary information of the trial that could lead to professional, personal or economic gain, or otherwise give improper advantage to the investigator, sub-investigators, study staff, family members or organizations in which he/she or family members hold official positions or economic interests.

No IRB may have a member participate in the IRB’s initial or continuing review of any project in which the member has a conflicting interest, except to provide information requested by the IRB. (45 CFR 46.107)

For more information refer to CyberIRB.