Which entity is primarily responsible for ensuring researchers comply with conflict of interest regulations?

The institution's IRB is primarily responsible for ensuring researchers comply with conflict of interest regulations because it plays a critical role in overseeing research activities to protect the rights and welfare of human subjects. The IRB reviews research proposals, ensuring that potential conflicts of interest are disclosed and managed appropriately. This oversight helps maintain the integrity of the research process, ensuring that research findings are valid and that the interests of participants are safeguarded.

While other entities such as the federal government, the researcher's department, and the funding agency all have roles in managing and addressing conflict of interest issues, it is the IRB that has the authority and responsibility to ensure compliance with regulations specifically related to the ethical conduct of research involving human subjects. The IRB is also tasked with monitoring ongoing research for adherence to these standards throughout the duration of the study.