GUIDING PRINCIPLES FOR CORPORATE SUPPORT Preface In recognition of the importance of corporate financial support to the pursuit of new knowledge, and being aware of the potential for conflict between the interests of corporate sponsors and the interests of the Berman Institute of Bioethics of the Johns Hopkins University, the National Advisory Board of The Berman Institute of Bioethics has established the Guiding Principles for Corporate Support outlined below. The principles espoused in this document reflect The Berman Institute of Bioethics's and its National Advisory Board's continuing commitment to the academic freedom of its faculty, the integrity of its scholarly research and educational programs, and the independence of the Institute to pursue its mission free of undue influence, or the appearance of such influence, from external supporting entities. By following the principles described here, the Institute honors these commitments. The principles are intended to prevent the Institute from being placed in a position of financial dependence on any one organization or industry and therefore to avoid a context in which honoring our commitments might pose a threat to the financial stability of the Institute. The Berman Institute of Bioethics and its Board recognize that questions of conflict of interest can arise from all sources of financial support and not just corporate support. In the future, we hope to develop principles to help manage potential conflicts with these other sources as well. The principles advocated here reflect those of The Berman Institute of Bioethics and its National Advisory Board and do not govern other sectors of the Johns Hopkins University or their relationships with corporate entities.
Guiding Principles for Corporate Support
Definition of Corporate Support
Corporate support is defined to mean financial gifts, grants, and/or sponsorships from any company, organization, association, or other entity that is not a governmental agency, philanthropic foundation, or individual philanthropist. Academic Freedom
The PhoeBerman Institute of Bioethics, as a constituent part of the Johns Hopkins University, is committed to the preservation of the academic freedom of its faculty. Accordingly, the Institute retains the right to disclose and publish research. When appropriate, however, the Institute may enter into contracts or other binding commitments with sponsors of research to permit delays in publication up to 120 days in order to permit time for the filing of patent applications. Cap on Corporate Support
No more than 10 percent of The Berman Institute of Bioethics's overall budget in any given year shall be supported by any single corporate source and no more than 20 percent from any single industry, unless otherwise approved by the Advisory Board of The Berman Institute of Bioethics. The total amount received from all corporate sources shall not exceed 40 percent of The Berman Institute of Bioethics's overall budget in any given year, unless approved by the Institute's Advisory Board. Conflict of Interest/Credibility
The Berman Institute of Bioethics will not accept corporate support if this poses or is perceived to pose a conflict of interest or in any other way undermines the credibility of the Institute, its faculty, its scholarship, or its programs. Disclosure
Acceptance of financial support of any kind, including in-kind contributions, from any corporate source will be announced on the Institute's web page and, where appropriate, in University publications after giving adequate time for review by relevant personnel. The Institute will acknowledge corporate support, including in-kind contributions, related to meetings or other educational events in the printed meeting announcements and brochures for each meeting or event as well as on the Institute's web page. Independence
Acceptance of corporate support does not and shall not imply The Berman Institute of Bioethics's endorsement of the corporate sponsor's general policies, activities, or products. Other
Decisions regarding corporate support not addressed by these principles will be brought before a special subcommittee of the Advisory Board. | 
