VinUniversity is committed to upholding the highest standards of research integrity, transparency, and accountability. The management of Conflict of Interest (COI) in research is an essential component of this commitment.

The University-wide COI in research management framework is established and implemented in accordance with:

• VinUniversity Governance Framework Guidelines
• Research Integrity Policy
• Employees Code of Conduct

This framework ensures that potential, actual, or perceived conflicts of interest are identified early, assessed appropriately, and managed proportionately, without unnecessarily restricting legitimate academic and research activities.

1. What Is a Conflict of Interest in Research?

A conflict of interest occurs when an individual’s financial, personal, or professional interest may affect or can be reasonably expected to affect research objectivity, evaluation, or decision-making.
COI does not imply wrongdoing. However, failure to disclose and manage COI may constitute a breach of research integrity obligations.

2. Common COI Situations in Research at University

Based on institutional experience and international best practices, COI in research commonly includes but is not limited to:

• Personal relationships: Spousal or close family relationships within the same institution, research team, or reporting line.
• External financial interests: Consulting income, honoraria, or paid advisory roles with external organizations that collaborate, or may collaborate, with VinUniversity.
• Dual or concurrent appointments: Holding professional or leadership roles within entities in the Vingroup ecosystem or external research organizations.
• Equity interests and entrepreneurship: Ownership of, investment in, or collaboration with companies operating in research, training, or technology commercialization.
• Supervision, evaluation, or decision-making roles: Situations where a researcher is involved in recruitment, supervision, assessment, or funding decisions affecting related individuals or entities.

3. COI in Research Management Workflow at VinUniversity

VinUniversity applies a structured, risk-based COI management workflow, summarized as follows:

4. COI Risk Mitigation Measures

Depending on the nature and severity of the COI, mitigation measures may include:

• Disclosure of COI in publications, presentations, or proposals
• Recusal from specific decision-making or supervisory roles
• Modification of research roles or responsibilities
• Independent oversight or additional review mechanisms
• Restrictions on access to sensitive information
• In limited cases, suspension of certain research activities

The objective is risk mitigation, not punishment, unless non-compliance occurs.

5. Roles and Responsibilities

• Faculty/Researchers: Timely, accurate disclosure and compliance with management plans.
• Research Management Office (RMO): Coordination, screening, documentation, and monitoring.
• Research Affairs Committee (RAC): Risk assessment and recommendation of COI management actions and disciplinary actions in cases of non-compliance.
• Compliance and Organizational Ethics Committee (COEC): Final decisions on disciplinary matters, where applicable.
• HR and CPL: Recording and institutional enforcement following final decisions.

6. Why Transparency Matters

Transparent COI management protects the credibility of research outcomes, safeguards both researchers and the institution, aligns VinUniversity with international research standards, and strengthens trust among funders, collaborators, and the public.

7. Further Information

For detailed guidance, forms, and workflows, please refer to:

• Research Integrity Policy
• COI in research Declaration Form
• Handling Alleged Research Misconduct Workflow

For support or clarification, contact the Research Management Office at research@vinuni.edu.vn