You’re a research professional. How do you identify and manage conflicts of interest?

1 Types of COIs

Conflicts of Interest (COIs) can arise from various sources, such as relationships, affiliations, funding, publications, or intellectual property. For instance, having a close personal or family relationship with a co-author, a collaborator, a reviewer, or a competitor could lead to a COI. Similarly, having a financial interest in a company or organization that sponsors, benefits from, or competes with your research could also be considered a COI. Professional or academic affiliations that could affect your impartiality or loyalty can also be considered a COI. In addition, having a contractual or legal obligation that limits your freedom or independence in conducting or reporting your research is another example of a COI. Finally, having a patent, copyright, or trademark related to your research topic or methods is another form of COI.

2 Disclosure of COIs

The initial step in managing COIs is to disclose them to the pertinent parties, such as your employer, funder, editor, peer reviewers, or audience. Disclosure is a way of recognizing and informing any potential or actual COIs that may influence your research. It's important to disclose as early as possible, preferably before beginning or submitting your research project or proposal. Additionally, make sure to provide sufficient details and explanations of the nature and extent of your COIs and update and revise your disclosure whenever there are changes or new developments in your COIs.

3 Mitigation or Avoidance of COIs

The second step in managing COIs is to mitigate or avoid them, depending on the severity and impact of your COIs. Mitigation is a way of reducing or minimizing the negative effects of your COIs on your research, while avoidance is a way of eliminating or abstaining from them altogether. A few strategies for mitigation or avoidance include seeking independent advice or oversight from a third party, such as an ethics committee, mentor, or colleague; separating or delegating roles or responsibilities that could create or exacerbate your COIs; declining or withdrawing from activities that could compromise or conflict with your research; refusing or returning any gifts, favors, or incentives that could bias or influence your research; and resolving or terminating any relationships, affiliations, or interests that could interfere with your research. As a research professional, it is important to uphold the highest standards of quality, integrity, and ethics in your research. By identifying and managing COIs, you can protect your reputation as well as the validity and reliability of your research.