A Significant Financial Interest (SFI) is a financial interest held by an Investigator or a Family member which appears to be Reasonably Related to their Institutional Responsibilities which meets MIT’s prescribed thresholds for what is considered ‘significant’. Having an SFI is not necessarily a conflict of interest. An SFI must be reviewed by a designated official at MIT to determine whether it has an impact on the design, conduct or reporting of MIT research. If an SFI is determined to have that impact, it is considered a financial conflict of interest in research (FCOI).
MIT has a responsibility to generate positive learning opportunities for its students, preserve the integrity of its research enterprise and gain and maintain the public’s trust. A robust process for discussion, disclosure, review and management of real or perceived FCOI is an important part of meeting that responsibility.
FCOI Disclosures
Investigators and key persons (as required by sponsor) must submit a financial conflict of interest (FCOI) disclosure in MyCOI-OPA+:
- At proposal stage (during proposal certification), if there is a potential conflict of interest
- At award stage (when an award is received), if no disclosure was submitted at proposal
- On a rolling basis:
- Within 90 days of acquiring or changing a Significant Financial Interest (SFI)
- PHS and some other federally sponsored investigators must disclose within 30 days, and include Sponsored Travel in their disclosure
- If 12 months have passed since their last FCOI disclosure
- Within 90 days of acquiring or changing a Significant Financial Interest (SFI)
Common FCOI Situations
Financial conflicts of interest may arise from common situations encountered by faculty and researchers. The Community COI Portal has guidance on these situations, as well as forms to facilitate discussion with your department head.
Updated August 2025