Collaborative Science and the American Thoracic Society

Abstract

Maurice Hilleman was the archetype for a translational scientist. He was the key contributor to the discovery and development of vaccines against measles and mumps. For his achievements, he was awarded the National Medal of Science and was recognized by scientists worldwide. Acceptance within both industry and academic environments was a key to his success (1). Beyond medicine, similarly successful collaborative efforts across academia, government, and industry benefit us daily, including, for example, dramatic advances in communication and electronic technology. Recent advances in the treatment of lymphangioleiomyomatosis, based on research conducted by American Thoracic Society (ATS) members and supported by the ATS, provide another example of the value of such collaborative efforts among academic, industry, and government scientists. These stories highlight the benefit of collaboration and open dialogue to the advances in biomedical research. A significant body of scholarship emphasizes the benefit of diverse teams to problem solving (2). However, there are also situations in which relationships between institutions, for example, industry and either academia or professional societies, have resulted in serious concerns about conflicts of interest and have threatened to undermine public trust in biomedical research. To optimize medical advances in a time of shrinking resources, these differing perspectives must be reconciled. Although the ATS has instituted transparent processes to address conflicts of interest, the recent focus on such conflicts has had the unintended consequence of creating barriers to initiatives fostering collaborative efforts across academia, government, and industry. To take full advantage of the potential of these collaborative efforts, a midcourse correction will be necessary. By addressing this challenge, we hope to further the mission of the ATS “to improve health worldwide by advancing research, clinical care and public health in respiratory disease, critical illness and sleep disorders,” while ensuring that perceived conflicts of interest are appropriately identified and managed, promoting ethical conduct as well as public confidence and trust.