Please note this important information regarding changes affecting Sponsors/CROs and Principal Investigators.

Research objectivity is an essential element that Sterling IRB considers when reviewing proposed and continuing research activity. Because conflicts of interests have the potential to undermine the scientific integrity of research, Sterling IRB pays particular attention to financial considerations that may compromise (or have the appearance of compromising) an investigator's professional judgment as well as the design, conduct and subsequent publication of research. The principal investigator is responsible for assessing and reporting conflicts of interest upon submitting an application for review and approval, throughout the course of conducting that approved study, and for a period thereafter. Section D of the Sterling IRB Submission Application includes questions concerning financial conflicts of interest. Please reference Sterling IRB's Investigator Handbook for guidance on this topic. The following articles include information on conflicts of interests in research: "Conflicts of Interests in Biomedical Research"      by David Korn, M.D. "Reporting Financial Conflicts of Interest and Relationships Between Investigators and Research Sponsors"      by Catherine D. DeAngelis, M.D., MPD;      Phil B. Fontanarosa, M.D.; Annette Flanagin, RN, MA For further information or if you have any questions, call 1-888-636-1062 (toll-free) or email .

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