And while you are on the topic, read this editorial by Gunilla Öberg and Martin Scheringer: “Everyone has interests”: A red herring https://lnkd.in/dsgrjXuX
Looking for something to read during the summer break? We recommend our paper "Conflicts of interest in the assessment of chemicals, waste and pollution". In the paper we define and review the implications of COI, and its relevance for the management of chemicals, waste, and pollution. We also summarize established tactics to manufacture doubt in favor of vested interests, i.e., to counter scientific evidence and/or to promote misleading narratives favorable to financial interests. We further rebut an assertion voiced by some that the chemical industry should be directly involved in the new global Science-Policy panel’s work because it possesses data on chemicals essential for the panel’s activities. Finally, we present steps that should be taken to prevent the detrimental impacts of COI in the work of the panel. In particular, we propose to include an independent auditor’s role in the panel to ensure that participation and processes follow clear COI rules. Among others, the auditor should evaluate the content of the assessments produced to ensure unbiased representation of information that underpins the panel’s activities.