How should we define, document, and prevent conflicts of interest in alcohol research?

Abstract

Babor, T. (2016). How should we define, document, and prevent conflicts of interest in alcohol research?.  The International Journal Of Alcohol And Drug Research, 5 (1), 5-7. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.7895/ijadr.v5i1.232 Aims: Conflicts of interest (COIs) in science and medicine have come under increasing scrutiny in recent years. This article reviews definitions of COI, as well as measures used to document, prevent, and manage COIs. Findings: The positive association between COIs and the outcomes of research has been documented in a substantial body of research covering a variety of fields, including addiction research. Attempts to address COIs include funding declarations, voluntary bans of receipt of industry funding, and ethical analyses. Conclusions: To protect the scientific integrity of the alcohol field from further influence from commercial and other competing interests, reasonable and consistent reporting procedures are needed at a minimum. Direct funding from major transnational alcohol producers involves major reputational and ethical risks that may require more stringent measures by professional societies, university administrators, and journal editors.