What is one responsibility researchers have to their institutions?

Researchers have a vital responsibility to report conflicts of interest to their institutions. This obligation helps maintain the integrity of the research process and ensures that any potential biases are disclosed. Conflicts of interest can arise when researchers have financial relationships, personal connections, or other affiliations that could influence their research outcomes. By transparently reporting these conflicts, researchers enable their institutions to assess and manage any potential threats to the credibility of the research, thereby safeguarding ethical standards and the trust of the public.

Options related to limiting participants, avoiding publication, or handling financial aspects personally do not align with the core responsibilities of researchers to their institutions. Rather than restricting participation, researchers are typically encouraged to include appropriate populations to enhance the validity of their research findings. Avoiding publication contradicts the objective of advancing knowledge through research, and while financial management is an essential aspect, it is generally conducted with the oversight of institutional resources, rather than solely by individual researchers.