Conflict of interest in scientific research

Abstract

The field of scientific research is conducive to the emergence of conflicts of interest, because there are many actors and often divergent interests that coexist. These interests can relate to a person and be of a personal, professional or financial nature.Conflicts of interest generally result from situations of incompatibility of responsibilities or interests which can compromise the objective conduct of research, but also influence its conclusions. It can also help promote an individual, group or partner associated with research activities. Conflicts of interest can be real, perceived or potential and do not necessarily correspond toillegal situations, but are situations that may raise doubts about the integrity of researchers. In order to avoid the occurrence of situations calling into question scientific integrity, institutions must put in place a clear policy on respect for ethical principles and ensure that researchers conduct their research in a responsible manner. When faced with conflict of interest situations, the researcher must declare them to the ethics committee of his institution. Appropriate actions can then be proposed in order to mitigate any type of conflict of interest and to preserve scientific integrity.Keywords: conflict of interest ,ethics, scientific integrity ,policy,declaration of interest.