What defines a 'conflict of interest' in research?

A 'conflict of interest' in research refers to circumstances where an individual's financial or personal interests have the potential to compromise their objectivity in conducting research, interpreting data, or making decisions. This concept is fundamental to maintaining integrity and trust in scientific inquiry. When researchers have outside interests—such as financial investments, affiliations, or relationships—that could bias their work, it poses ethical concerns about the validity of their results and the impacts of their findings on the public or on policy.

This definition highlights the importance of transparency in research practices, as identifying and managing conflicts of interest is essential for the credibility of research outcomes. Researchers are typically required to disclose such interests to ensure that any potential biases can be assessed by their peers and that appropriate steps can be taken to mitigate any undue influence on their work.