Harvard Scientists Disciplined for Not Declaring Ties to Drug Companies
From The Embassy of Good Science
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Harvard Scientists Disciplined for Not Declaring Ties to Drug Companies
What is this about?
This is a factual case about three child psychiatrists who failed to disclose consultancy fees that they received from pharmaceutical companies. Between 2000 and 2007, the three researchers received a combined total of $4.2 million from different companies. The three scientists claim that this was an honest mistake, and consequently were "banned from participating in 'industry-sponsored outside activities' for one year, to be followed by a two-year period of close monitoring and a delay in consideration for promotion.[1]
- ↑ Brian Owens. 2011. Nature news blog. (Harvard Scientists Disciplined for Not Declaring Ties to Drug Companies : News Blog, July 2011)
Why is this important?
It shows the limitations of policies about financial conflict of interests and how discrepencies between national and institutional policies could contribute to confusion. It also shows what consequences may follow from a lack of transparency about the received funds.
