According to current NIH rules, who must investigators disclose financial conflicts of interest to?

The requirement for investigators to disclose financial conflicts of interest primarily involves designated institutional officials, as they play a critical role in reviewing and managing such conflicts. This is necessary to ensure that the integrity of the research is maintained and that the appropriate measures are taken to address any potential biases that may arise from financial interests.

Designated institutional officials act as a bridge between researchers and the institutions, helping to establish policies and ensure compliance with regulatory standards. By disclosing financial conflicts to these officials, the institution can assess the potential impact on the research and take necessary steps to mitigate any risks.

In contrast, while participants and funding agencies have a stake in the ethical conduct of research, the direct responsibility for oversight lies with these institutional officials. Thus, the focus on institutional accountability underscores the importance of confronting and managing conflicts in a systematic manner to uphold the standards of research integrity.