aerial view of Western's campus at night facing northwest, with golden lights surrounded by dark trees

New policy approved

The policy below is approved and effective as of May 26, 2026.  Below are the highlights of the policy: 

Disclosing Conflict of Interest for Sponsored Programs and Technology Transfer Transactions

  • Section 1- Investigators must disclose potential financial interests and any other obligations in which they hold a significant financial interest which relates to a sponsored project or technology transfer.
  • Section 2- Vice Provost for Research is responsible for obtaining and reviewing conflict of interest disclosures.
  • Section 3- If Vice Provost of Research determines a conflict of interest exists, the Conflict of Interest Review Committee will review and manage the conflicts of interest.  
  • Section 5- Violations of this policy may result in discipline, which includes but is not limited to,  loss of sponsored project funding and institutional privileges.
  • Section 6- All Investigators participating in the sponsored project at subrecipient organizations are subject to conflict of interest rules and procedures no less stringent than this policy.

If you have any questions regarding this announcement, please contact Dolapo Akinrinade at ext. 2728 or at Policies@wwu.edu