Research Problems at Australian University Hit the News
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Research Problems at Australian University Hit the News
What is this about?
This factual case reports a failure to declare a conflict of interest by researchers of experimental interventions at a university. The researchers studied a disputed therapy that is endorsed by a controversial organization. According to the university and the publisher, the researchers failed to declare that they had affiliations with the organization. However, the authors stated in a press release on the situation that they did declare their conflicts of interest in all instances.
Why is this important?
Conflicts of interest may lead to the introduction of biases in research studies. This is especially the case when the product or drugs under investigation are produced by a company, as this may lead to corruption. Recent research shows that more favourable results are obtained for company-sponsored than non-company-sponsored studies.[1] Therefore, it is important for researchers to declare all potential conflicts of interest. Undeclared conflicts of interests, such as in the present case, may cast considerable doubt on the objectivity of the researchers.
- ↑ Lundh A, Lexchin J, Mintzes B, Schroll JB, Bero L. Industry sponsorship and research outcome: systematic review with meta-analysis. Intensive Care Med. 2018 Oct;44(10):1603-1612. doi: 10.1007/s00134-018-5293-7. Epub 2018 Aug 21. PMID: 30132025.
