The source of sponsorship and the true purpose of a research agreement must be fully disclosed to relevant University officials who must be assured that public disclosure will not embarrass the University, the investigators, or the sponsor. Ordinarily, publications must identify every research sponsor. 1 University research agreements may not grant sponsors special or exclusive information, carry a security classification, require security clearance of personnel, or otherwise preclude the general publication of results. In selecting their research associates, principal investigators must use scholarly and professional criteria. Investigators must retain full authority over when and how to publish their research results save for personal information about individuals who are subjects of studies and whose privacy is protected by policies and statutes.
Investigators bear sole responsibility for their research.
Harvard endorses neither the work nor the sponsor. Beginning this year, you will have to affirm at regular intervals that these two documents have not escaped your attention. The document, Policies Relating to Research and Other Professional Activities Within and Outside the University, sets forth principles and policies that apply to all professional activity, no matter where and under whose auspices it is conducted. Every member is expected to accord the University his or her primary professional loyalty, and to arrange outside obligations, financial interests, and activities so as not to conflict with this overriding commitment to the University. Note particularly the restrictions on private consulting arrangements and other extramural professional activities.