Conflict of Interest

Authors are obligated to reveal any potential competing interests, whether financial or non-financial. They must also avoid entering agreements—with either for-profit or non-profit sponsors—that would restrict their access to data, their ability to conduct independent analyses or interpretations, or their freedom to publish results as they see fit.

Reviewers and editors have similar disclosure obligations. They must declare any non-financial conflicts of interest, as well as any unpaid roles or relationships that could affect editorial decisions. Examples include voluntary positions in government or non-governmental organizations, involvement with advocacy or lobby groups, and unpaid advisory roles at commercial entities.

Additionally, reviewers and editors must disclose any personal or professional ties to the authors. For instance, if they are listed on the authors’ suggested reviewer exclusion list, this connection must be reported, as it could be seen as undermining their objectivity.