How do you manage conflicts of interest in research?

1 Identify potential COIs

The first step in managing COIs is to identify them before starting or participating in a research project. You should ask yourself if you have any personal or professional interests that may influence or appear to influence your research design, methods, data, analysis, interpretation, or reporting. You should also consider if you have any relationships or affiliations with other researchers, institutions, sponsors, or stakeholders that may create or appear to create a COI. You can use checklists, questionnaires, or guidelines provided by your institution, discipline, or funder to help you identify potential COIs.

2 Disclose relevant COIs

The second step in managing COIs is to disclose them to the appropriate parties, such as your institution, co-authors, editors, reviewers, funders, or participants. You should disclose your COIs as early and as transparently as possible, and update them whenever there are changes or new developments. You should follow the policies and procedures of your institution, discipline, or funder regarding the format, content, and timing of your disclosures. You should also include a COI statement in your publications, presentations, or other outputs that summarizes your COIs and how they were managed.

3 Address actual or perceived COIs

The third step in managing COIs is to address them in a way that minimizes or eliminates their impact on your research. It's important to consult with your institution, discipline, or funder to determine the best practices and strategies for addressing your COIs, such as seeking independent oversight or review of your research, reducing or removing your involvement in certain aspects, transferring your interests or responsibilities to someone else, declining or withdrawing from the project or role, and resolving or terminating relationships that create a COI. You should document and report how you addressed the COIs and the outcomes of your actions.

4 Educate yourself and others on COIs

The fourth step in managing COIs is to educate yourself and others on the importance, principles, and practices of COI management. You should familiarize yourself with the relevant codes, policies, and guidelines on COI management in your institution, discipline, or funder. You should also participate in training, workshops, or seminars on COI management offered by your institution or professional associations. You should also raise awareness and foster a culture of openness and accountability among your colleagues, collaborators, and students on COI management.

5 Seek advice and support on COIs

The fifth step in managing COIs is to seek advice and support from experts, mentors, or peers on COI management. You should not hesitate to ask for help or guidance if you are unsure or uncertain about how to identify, disclose, or address a COI. You should also report or seek assistance if you encounter or suspect a COI involving someone else in your research project or environment. You should contact the relevant authorities or bodies, such as your institution's ethics committee, research integrity office, or ombudsperson, for advice and support on COI management.

6 Review and improve your COI management

The sixth step in managing COIs is to review and improve your COI management on a regular basis. You should monitor and evaluate your COI management processes and outcomes, and identify any gaps, challenges, or areas for improvement. You should also seek feedback and suggestions from your stakeholders, such as your co-authors, editors, reviewers, funders, or participants, on how to improve your COI management. You should also keep abreast of the latest developments and best practices on COI management in your field and beyond, and incorporate them into your research practice.

7 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?