What constitutes a conflict of interest in research?

A conflict of interest in research occurs when a researcher has competing interests that could potentially influence their study outcomes or decisions. This situation could arise from personal, financial, or professional relationships that may bias the researcher’s objectivity. For example, if a researcher has a financial stake in a company whose products are being studied, the outcomes of the research may be skewed in favor of that company, either consciously or unconsciously. Identifying and declaring such conflicts is essential to maintain the integrity of the research and ensure that the findings are credible and trustworthy.

In contrast, funding from multiple sources may raise concerns about how the money influences the study, but it does not inherently create a conflict of interest unless there is a competing interest tied to those sources. Conducting a study without participant consent is an ethical issue related to research ethics and the rights of participants, rather than a conflict of interest scenario. Additionally, a controversial research topic does not itself create a conflict of interest; it simply denotes the nature of the subject being investigated, regardless of any personal biases the researcher may hold.