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

  • Thomas F. Babor University of Connecticut School of Medicine
Keywords: conflict of interest, alcohol, research bias, research integrity

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.

Author Biography

Thomas F. Babor, University of Connecticut School of Medicine
University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, United States
Published
2016-07-13
How to Cite
Babor, T. F. (2016). How should we define, document, and prevent conflicts of interest in alcohol research?. International Journal of Alcohol and Drug Research, 5(1), 5-7. https://doi.org/10.7895/ijadr.v5i1.232
Section
Papers