Who is responsible for ensuring compliance with financial disclosure requirements in research?

The responsibility for ensuring compliance with financial disclosure requirements in research primarily falls on investigators and their designated officials. Investigators are those conducting the research, and their designated officials, such as department heads or compliance officers, are tasked with monitoring their activities and ensuring adherence to regulations. These requirements aim to address and mitigate any potential conflicts of interest that might arise if researchers have financial interests in the outcomes of their studies.

Institutions are required to have processes in place to facilitate these disclosures, ensuring transparency and integrity in the research process. This is essential for maintaining trust in research findings and protecting the interests of both participants and the broader community. A collaborative approach within the institution often involves input from various governance bodies, but the primary responsibility lies with the investigators and their designated officials, as they are directly involved in the research activities and are best positioned to disclose relevant financial ties.