Important Policy Reminders for the Columbia Research Community

Dear fellow members of the Columbia community,

We write to reiterate Columbia University’s commitment to integrity in scholarly research, and to remind you of key policies and resources that support your research endeavors. In particular, if you conduct research, or if you support people who conduct research, please be sure to read the information below.

• The University’s conflict of interest and conflict of commitment policies affirm that a researcher’s outside activities may stimulate and nurture scholarship. These policies also address how real or perceived conflicts may cause bias in research, or affect an individual’s ability to carry out their University responsibilities because of time commitments required or competing priorities, and set out disclosure requirements. CUIMC affiliates must also follow CUIMC’s policies on conflict of interest in clinical care and education. Disclosure of potential conflicts to the University must be completed at least annually through Rascal. 

• Research security continues to be a priority at the federal and University level. The University’s Science and Security webpage contains resources and guidance in this area. New FAQs address considerations for common international engagements and collaborations. Researchers must pay particular attention to making all disclosures required by federal funding agencies.

• The University’s Policy on Misconduct in Research ensures that issues of plagiarism, falsification or fabrication of research are addressed with rigor, care and confidentiality. 

• The University’s Guidelines on Retention of Research Data reiterate that research data acquired under the auspices of the University must be stewarded, managed and shared in accordance with scholarly practice and funding agency requirements. 

• • NIH and other federal funding agencies have new policies to mandate research data management and sharing. NIH’s policy takes effect January 25, 2023. Visit Research Data at Columbia for more information and resources.

• The Office of the EVP for Research publishes 6 research handbooks containing key research policies and procedures in many areas, and also a Quick Guide to Research, highlighting the many offices that support research at Columbia. These offices also offer many resources to help researchers find funding and collaborate on major proposals. Visit the Find Funding webpage for more information.

If you have questions about research compliance issues, please contact the applicable EVPR office or the Office of Research Compliance and Training at [email protected].

Wishing you a productive year.

Katrina A. Armstrong

Executive Vice President and CEO of the Health Sciences

Mary C. Boyce

Provost

Jeannette M. Wing

Executive Vice President for Research