As UFOLIO enters second year, new program introduced to provide guidance, support

Since 2018, research institutions across the U.S. have faced increased scrutiny and concern from federal agencies over the threat of foreign influence in taxpayer-funded research. Earlier this year, Florida lawmakers proposed new legislation that imposes serious penalties on university employees for failure to timely disclose required outside activities and financial interests.

In this environment of heightened external pressure, UF has established a Conflicts of Interest (COI) Program to oversee the development and implementation of UFOLIO, UF’s new online disclosure system. The COI Program represents an important step in UF’s continued commitment to transparency, accountability and shared responsibility as a steward of the public trust.

On June 22, UFOLIO reached full implementation status and is now live for all UF employees with a .26 FTE or greater faculty appointment. The COI Program would like to thank everyone who participated in the UFOLIO pilot program. Without your critical feedback, it would not have been possible to reach this milestone before the end of the fiscal year.

Read on to learn more about the new COI Program and how it supports UF employees in fulfilling their personal disclosure responsibilities under state and federal law. You can also find a range of instructional materials and resources on its website at www.coi.ufl.edu.