Publications of Research Results
Topic at a Glance:
Several scientific journals and funding agencies have implemented requirements for authors to disclose related financial interests to improve the integrity of science and manage conflicts of interest. Full disclosure removes the suspicion that something of relevance to objectivity is being hidden and allows readers to form their own opinions on whether a conflict of interest exists and what relevance that has to the study.
The scientific community and the public will be best served by open publication and presentation of financial disclosures for readers, reviewers and colleagues to evaluate.
The following are examples of how a financial interest with an outside entity should be disclosed in presentations and publications of research results:
Example #1:
These studies were supported by the University of California, San Diego, Department of Medicine and a grant from NIH (Award #________________). Joe Doe has an equity interest in XYZ, Inc., a company that may potentially benefit from the research results, and also serves on the company's Scientific Advisory Board. The terms of this arrangement have been reviewed and approved by the University of California, San Diego in accordance with its conflict of interest policies.Example #2:
Financial support in part by NIH (Award #________________). Equipment loan from XYZ, Inc. John Doe has an equity interest in XYZ, Inc., a company that may potentially benefit from the research results. In addition, he receives income from the company for consulting. The terms of this arrangement have been reviewed and approved by the University of California, San Diego in accordance with its conflict of interest policies.
Example #3:
This study was funded in part by the University of California Discovery Program Project #S00-00 with matching funds from industrial partner XYZ, Inc. Jane Doe is the scientific founder of XYZ, Inc. and has an equity interest in the company. In addition, Bill Moe receives income from XYZ, Inc. for serving on the Scientific Advisory Board. The terms of this arrangement have been reviewed and approved by the University of California, San Diego in accordance with its conflict of interest policies.
Example #4:
Dr. John Doe receives research funding from YYZ, Inc., which is developing products related to the research described in this paper. In addition, the author serves as a consultant to YYZ, Inc., and receives compensation for these services. The terms of this arrangement have been reviewed and approved by the University of California, San Diego in accordance with its conflict of interest policies.
Example #5:
The University of California, San Diego has a financial [ownership] interest in X Biotech, the company sponsoring this research. Jane Doe and the University of California, San Diego may financially benefit from this interest if the company is successful in marketing its product(s) that is/are related to this research. The terms of this arrangement have been reviewed and approved by the University of California, San Diego in accordance with its conflict of interest policies.
Example #6:
These studies were supported by a grant from the NIH (Grant #________________). Principal Investigator _______________ has an equity interest in XYZ, Inc, and also serves on the Scientific Advisory Board. Although this grant has been identified for conflict of interest management based on the overall scope of the project and its potential benefit to XYZ, Inc., the research findings included in this particular publication may not necessarily relate to the interests of XYZ, Inc. The terms of this arrangement have been reviewed and approved by the University of California, San Diego in accordance with its conflict of interest policies.
Please Note: Different journals have different standards about publishing financial relationships. For additional examples on how to incorporate such language, access guidance from the International Committee of Medical Journals Editors and the American Chemical Society Publications.
