How can you navigate conflicts of interest in scientific communication?

1 Identify potential conflicts of interest

The first step in scientific communication is to identify any potential conflicts of interest that may affect it. Conflicts of interest can originate from a variety of sources, such as financial, personal, professional, institutional, or ideological interests. For instance, you may have a conflict of interest if you receive funding or sponsorship from an entity that has a stake in your research topic, or if you have a personal or professional relationship with someone who may influence or benefit from your communication. To identify potential conflicts of interest, ask yourself questions like: Who funded or supported your research? Who are the beneficiaries or stakeholders of your research outcomes? Who are your collaborators? What are your personal or professional affiliations? What are your beliefs, values, or opinions on the topic or issue? These questions can help you determine if there are any conflicts of interest that could influence your scientific communication.

2 Disclose relevant conflicts of interest

The second step is to disclose any relevant conflicts of interest that may affect your scientific communication. Disclosure is an essential part of making known or revealing your conflicts of interest to your audience, allowing them to evaluate your credibility, objectivity, and transparency. It can also help you avoid accusations of dishonesty, misconduct, or fraud. When disclosing relevant conflicts of interest, it’s important to do so as early and clearly as possible, preferably at the start of your communication. You should also make sure to use an appropriate format for your medium and audience, such as a statement, footnote, acknowledgment, disclaimer, or declaration. Additionally, it’s important to be accurate, complete, and consistent in your disclosure and respectful and courteous in how you communicate it. Do not use disclosure as an excuse or justification for your communication or as a way to attack or discredit others.

3 Manage actual or perceived conflicts of interest

The third step is to manage any actual or perceived conflicts of interest that may affect your scientific communication. To do this, you must take action to reduce, mitigate, or resolve your conflicts of interest, so they do not compromise your quality, integrity, or responsibility. Additionally, this management can help you prevent any negative implications of the conflicts. If the conflict of interest is too severe or complex to disclose or manage, you should avoid or withdraw from the communication role. If the conflict is moderate and manageable, seek independent review or advice. Lastly, if the conflict is minor and inconsequential, you can modify or adapt your communication scope, content, tone, or style to minimize any bias.

4 Follow ethical principles and guidelines

The fourth step in scientific communication is to adhere to ethical principles and guidelines. Ethics is the study of moral values, norms, and standards that guide conduct and behavior. Following ethical principles can help ensure that communication is honest, accurate, fair, respectful, and responsible. To do this, you should adhere to the codes, policies, or rules of your discipline, field, institution, or organization that regulate communication. Additionally, consult ethical resources such as checklists, templates, or models that can help identify and manage conflicts of interest. Finally, seek ethical education and training that can enhance your awareness and knowledge of ethical communication. This could include attending workshops or courses that teach how to navigate conflicts of interest.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?