Skip to main content
Basic Technical IVT Commonly tested

Conflict of Interest Declaration

noun

Pronunciation: /ˈkɑːnflɪkt əv ˈɪntərəst ˌdɛkləˈreɪʃən/

A mandatory statement in which authors disclose any financial, professional, or personal relationships that could influence their research or interpretation of results. This disclosure promotes transparency and maintains research integrity.

Plain English

A statement where authors reveal any money, jobs, or relationships that might bias their research.

Etymology & History

Origin languageEnglish
Rootconflict (disagreement, clash) + interest (financial stake) + declaration (formal statement)
First recorded use1990s
Usage frequencyVery common

Usage

"The lead author submitted a conflict of interest declaration indicating funding from a pharmaceutical company."

Style guide notes: Abbreviate as 'COI' only after first use; always use plural 'conflicts' in formal journal sections.

Also known as

COI statement competing interests disclosure financial disclosure

Related Terms

Frequently Asked Questions

What must be disclosed in a conflict of interest declaration?

Financial interests, employment, consulting fees, stock ownership, patents, and personal relationships relevant to research.

What happens if an author fails to disclose conflicts?

It may result in article retraction, author sanctions, or institutional investigation depending on severity.

Why Test Candidates on This?

Essential for understanding research ethics, publication standards, and editorial policy requirements.

Required skill level: Mid

Editors from these organisations have used our services since 1998

Reuters BBC Oxford University Press Penguin Random House Springer Microsoft Suncor Energy United Nations Fisher Investments IBM The Home Depot KODAK CHEVRON