3.14 Conflict of Interest

3.13 Library Policies

A student who violates the lending policies of any Harvard University library may be subject to disciplinary action. In particular, removal of a book or journal from any University library without authorization, or mutilation, defacement, or abuse of any library book or library resources ordinarily will lead to disciplinary action.

3.14 Conflict of Interest

Harvard Master’s students must abide by the Harvard Medical School (HMS) Faculty Policy on Conflicts of Interest and Commitment in all activities, including research toward a degree. In particular, the research project cannot be affected adversely by any contractual or other financial obligations of the principal investigator or mentor. Students should check with their Program Director and/or research mentor when planning such activities to make sure they are in compliance with HMS policy.

Policy on Disclosure of Potential Conflicts of Interest Related to the Pharmaceutical Industry and Undergraduate Medical Education

Conflicts of interest are becoming of increasing concern to our students, our faculty members, and to the public.

Faculty and students must disclose any financial interests they may have in a pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical instrument/device company, or other business which owns or has a contractual relationship to the subject matter being reported or discussed in a presentation, lecture, tutorial, paper, or other teaching exercise or assignment. For example, faculty who have received research support or who have consulted for a pharmaceutical company and whose teaching includes a discussion of drugs developed by that company should disclose the association in advance. Each instructor must disclose whether or not any potential conflict exists and, if a potential conflict exists, the nature of the relationship.  Faculty who teach in the Master’s programs will be required to determine and declare any such conflicts and report them to students.

Faculty members and students who have any questions about what to disclose may contact Kristin Bittinger, J.D., Dean for Faculty and Research Integrity.

Policy on Sponsorship, Gifts, Meals, and Access of Pharmaceutical Representatives to the HMS Campus

Sales and marketing representatives of pharmaceutical companies, medical device companies, and medical supply companies are not permitted to visit or interact with students on the HMS campus, and pharmaceutical, medical device or medical supply company sponsorship of student events are strictly prohibited. Master’s students may