Who must investigators disclose financial conflicts of interest to?

Investigators must disclose financial conflicts of interest to designated institutional officials because these individuals are responsible for ensuring that research is conducted ethically and in compliance with relevant regulations and institutional policies. By informing these officials, the institution can effectively assess potential conflicts and implement necessary measures to mitigate risks associated with them.

This practice helps maintain the integrity of the research process, ensuring that the interests of participants, the validity of the research findings, and the reputation of the institution are safeguarded. The designated officials often have the authority to review the disclosures and determine appropriate actions, such as monitoring the research or altering the study protocol if needed to address any potential bias introduced by the conflict of interest.