Who Must Disclose?

Classes of Disclosers

MyDisclosures requires each individual to identify their role at the University and UPMC, such that the appropriate disclosure queries can be provided.  Disclosers must identify themselves as belonging to one or more of the following categories (i.e., an individual can belong to one, two, or three of these categories):

PITT Faculty or Researcher

  • All full-time faculty members, regardless of tenure status.
  • Part-time or adjunct faculty members designated by their supervisor as requiring a disclosure.
  • Any individual (trainee, staff or faculty member) who is independently responsible for the design, conduct or reporting of research at Pitt.

PITT Administrative Role

  • Administrators and staff members who are required to disclose due to their job level. 
  • Individuals (regardless of job class) who are in a position to make, direct or materially influence University business decisions.
  • Any employee who has significant input over the selection of outside vendors or providers of services.

UPMC Role

  • Individuals employed by UPMC.
  • Individuals who conduct or participate in clinical research on UPMC’s premises or under the oversight of UPMC and are in a position to materially influence such research.

Types of Conflicts

What is a conflict of interest?

A conflict of interest, or a potential conflict of interest, exists when a non-University financial interest, relationship or activity could actually influence, bias or compromise, or appear to influence, bias or compromise, (i) how you perform your institutional responsibilities, (ii) the design, conduct, or reporting of your research, or (iii) result in personal gain for you or a member of your immediate family at the expense of the University.  For example, a potential conflict of interest exists if you are consulting for a company that also sponsors research in your laboratory.

What is a conflict of commitment?

A conflict of commitment exists when your outside interests, relationships or activities have a reasonable potential to compete or interfere with (i) the University’s educational, research or service missions, or (ii) your ability or willingness to perform the full range of your institutional responsibilities at the University.  For example, a conflict of commitment exists if you are a full-time employee at Pitt and a full-time employee at another university.

What are my institutional responsibilities?

Your institutional responsibilities are your professional responsibilities to the University, including but not limited to research, teaching, leadership, professional practice, membership on institutional committees or panels (e.g.: Institutional Review Board, Data Safety Monitoring Committee, departmental committees, etc.), and administrative activities.

What are outside activities?

Outside activities are activities you perform for entities other than the University, UPMC or the VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System that are outside the scope of your institutional responsibilities.  This includes, but is not necessarily limited to, activities you perform under a personal consulting agreement and activities that are not coordinated by the University’s Office of Sponsored Programs.