Conflict of Interest happens when personal interests influence or appear to influence the independent judgment required by researchers to perform their duties and responsibilities as a University of Guelph employee, student or associate.  In this context, a researcher is anyone who carries out research under the auspices of the university including but not limited to faculty, students, staff, adjunct professors, Professor Emeriti, visiting scholars, etc. Researchers are required to disclose and appropriately manage any conflict of interest (real, potential or perceived) and failure to do so is research misconduct.