It is not enough to have groundbreaking data to navigate the world of academic publication. It requires total transparency. In submission of papers, journals require Conflict of Interest (COI) statements. But what do such things actually imply in your research?
In this guide, we deconstruct the fundamental components of COI statements and explain why professional manuscript editing is the most suitable tool in making sure that ethical compliance is achieved.
The Conflict of Interest
Conflict of Interest is a situation where the objectivity of a researcher is compromised due to the presence of other interests or it seems that they have affected the objectivity of the researcher. These interests are usually financial in nature though they may also be personal, academic and political.
The integrity of the scientific record is the main concern of journal editors. They need a COI statement so that the readers are able to judge the research fairly. When you reveal possible biases, you save on your own reputation and the validity of your results.
The Reason Transparency is Important in Research
Trust supports the scientific community around the world. When a pharmaceutical company funds the researcher on the trial of a new drug, such a relationship is pertinent to a reader. This does not necessarily imply that the study is defective. But concealing such a relationship evokes suspicion.
Any doubt is excluded by a clear statement of COI. It demonstrates that the authors are confident that they are doing the right thing and they have nothing to conceal. This is one of the most important aspects of the manuscript editing process, as in this case, the editors tend to highlight missing disclosures so that the authors do not need to retract their work in the future.
Common Types of Conflicts
Knowledge of what to submit is the initial step to a successful submission. Conflicts, as a rule, are divided into two:
Financial Conflicts
These are the most widespread and the most noticeable.
They include:
- Direct work with an organization that would be interested in the research.
- Consultancy fees or honoraria.
- Ownership/options of stocks in related companies.
- Applications or registrations of patents.
Non-Financial Conflicts
These are also subjective yet of great importance.
They include:
- Intimate relationship with the editorial board members.
- Good ideological or political convictions regarding the subject.
- Competition or blind spots in the scholarly realm produced by an old-time rivalry.
The Art of Writing a Good COI Statement
It is not necessary to make the writing of a COI statement complex. The majority of journals have a particular template. Unless, they do, they can follow these three basic steps:
- Identify: Customize every source of finance and pertinent personal contact.
- State: Make it clear that this is what the relationship is and what the role of the sponsor was in the design of the study or the collection of data.
In the case of no conflicts, provide a general statement such as, The authors state that they do not know any competing financial interests or personal relationships that might have emerged to affect the work reported in this paper.
Ethical Compliance Role of Manuscript Editing
The editing of manuscripts is considered by many researchers as just a mere check of typing mistakes. Actually, the depth of editing is much greater. Professional editors in such organizations as Fast Publications have a glance at the big picture of what you are submitting.
At the stage of editing the manuscript, an editor examines your disclosures in comparison to the ethical codes peculiar to the journal. They make sure that your statement is accurate, brief and in the right place in the document. This detail helps avoid management refusal and allows you to remain focused on your scientific work.
What Will Be the Consequence of Non-Disclosure?
The end result of not delivering a proper statement of the COI is dire. In case some disagreement arises post-publication, the journal might either publish an official correction or retract it. This will hurt your career and restrict your future sources of funding.
Professional editing of manuscripts is a form of safety net. Peer reviewers do not need to ask the difficult questions to the revision of the work because the editing people do.
Best Practices for Authors
Best practices to observe to ensure the highest level of ethical standards include:
- Disclose early: It is better to talk with your co-authors about possible conflicts before you start writing.
- Be over-inclusive: In case you are not sure there is a relationship that should be considered a conflict, then reveal it.
- Maintain a regular update: In case your financial condition changes in the process of peer review, update your statement as soon as possible.
Conclusion
A Conflict of Interest statement does not mean one is guilty; it is a token of professionalism. It informs the world that your research is on its own merits. With a combination of strict transparency and professionalism in editing manuscripts, you would find your place there in the most prestigious journals.
We are aware of the academic ethics complexities at Fast Publications. It is our team that guarantees that your research can be held to all the standards of excellence, starting with the very initial hypothesis up to the ultimate revelation.
