A conflict of interest in research occurs when an individual or institution has two or more competing interests or commitments that relate to an activity. Conflicting interests may include financial gain, gaining status through promotion or recognition, protecting the environment, or completing a research project. Conflicts of interest are not inherently negative, but the way in which the conflict is handled makes the difference. Conflicts of interest have the potential to inappropriately influence many aspects of research, from how a study is designed, how data is collected, analyzed and reported, to what individuals/suppliers are involved in the work. Federal regulations, state laws, and university policies establish standards and requirements regarding the disclosure and management of financial conflicts of interest in research to ensure that the design, conduct, and reporting of research are free from bias. Actual or potential conflicts of interest are reviewed by an independent substantive review committee. Examples of conflicts of interest in research include a conflict between financial gain and meticulous completion and reporting of a research study or between responsibilities as an investigator and as a treating physician for the same trial participant. Researchers are encouraged to be honest about any interest that may cause potential conflicts and to inform others so that a disinterested entity can monitor progress to verify continued researcher objectivity.