The Monitor

September 2010
Clinical research professionals typically have an insatiable curiosity that frequently leads to serving in multiple roles simultaneously, in which case, benefits (financial and nonfinancial) and obligations (personal and professional) can come in conflict with one another. Researchers can be torn between these competing interests. Recognizing when competing interests conflict with one another is the first step in managing these conflicts so that they do not compromise the rights, safety, or welfare of research participants. In these pages, a diverse group of clinical research professionals lend their insights on financial issues, conflicts of interest, and conflicts of commitment.