Effective and Efficient Management of Conflicts of Interest in Japanese Universities

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to clarify the conditions resulting in conflicts of interest (COIs) and risks to be concerned and to provide the knowledge for effective and efficient management of COIs with respect to activities of universities and their members. Analysis of COI policies of the universities in the United States revealed the scope of management of COIs and the effect of bias induced by university-industry financial relationships on decision making by universities and researchers. Whereas, analysis of reasons for retraction of scientific research papers revealed that unsatisfactory management of COIs affected the research integrity, actualized the risks induced by bias and COIs, and resulted in concerns or issues about data, image or results.