Conflict of Interest (CoI) training is required for all 'investigators' receiving federal awards.  Training is not necessary at the time of the proposal but is encouraged.  Awarded funds will not be released until all training and Significant Financial Interest (SFI) disclosures are completed.

The definition of an investigator varies slightly between agencies:

NIH defines investigator as the project director or principal investigator and any other person, regardless of title or position, who is responsible for the design, conduct, or reporting of research funded by the PHS, or proposed for such funding, which may include, for example, collaborators and consultants.

NSF defines investigator as the PI/PD, co-PI/co-PDs, and any other person identified on the proposed project who is responsible for the design, conduct, or reporting of research or educational activities funded or proposed for funding by NSF.

Training is completed through the Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) for all investigators funded by NIH, NSF, and other agencies that use PHS guidelines.  Training is valid for four (4) years.

COIC Office, NDSU Office of Research and Creative Activity - 701.231.8995 or ndsu.coic@ndsu.edu.