Researchers: Conflict of interest need to be considered when establishing new chemicals panel

Ahead of the UN-working meeting for setting up the science-policy panel for the sound management of chemicals and waste and to prevent pollution, researchers would like to address the risk of allowing chemical industry's to play a role in the panel. If biased industry is allowed to participate in the panel, there is a clear risk that it would render incompatible outcomes and undermine trust in the work of the panel.

In March 2022 the United Nations Environment Assembly decided that a science-policy panel should be established to contribute further to the sound management of chemicals and waste and to prevent pollution. An ad hoc open-ended working group (OEWG) was created to prepare proposals for the science-policy panel, with the ambition of completing the panel by the end of 2024. The OEWG will meet in Nairobi on the on Dec 11-15 to discuss the outline of the Science-Policy Panel.

In a new study “Conflicts of Interest in the Assessment of Chemicals, Waste, and Pollution” conducted by researchers from all around the world and with contribution from Stockholm University, the concept of conflict of interest is explored as well as the most common tactics for manufacturing doubt that the industry uses.

The scientists who co-authored the paper issue the following key recommendations in order to ensure the effectiveness of the new Science Policy Panel for sound management of chemicals and waste and to prevent pollution:

1. Define and strictly enforce rigorous Conflict of interest provisions. Experts with a Conflict of interest should not be allowed to participate in the decision-making process and the core work of the Science-Policy Panel, but may still contribute as observers.
2. Implement independent audits to a) review compliance with the Conflict of interest provisions, and, if needed, recommend corrective measures to the governing body, and b) ensure that the Science-Policy Panel’s outputs are transparent, impartial, credible and scientifically robust, as mandated by the UNEA Resolution 5/8.
3. Include as many elements of transparency as possible. The Science-Policy Panel should become a vigorous proponent of FAIR and CARE principles for scientific data management and stewardship.
4. Do not confuse the undesirable conflicts of financial or political competing interests with legitimate interests or biases.

What is Conflict of interest?

Conflict of interest refers to professional, financial or other interest which could significantly impair an individual’s objectivity or create an unfair advantage for any person or organization. It is unavoidable that every expert holds a particular point of view or perspective that could be seen as biased, but a Conflict of interest only arises when an individual could have a direct and material gain in a certain outcome of an activity.

Failure to manage Conflicts of interest in the Science-Policy Panel may result in:

• conflicting and/or incompatible outcomes,
• delayed implementation of solutions,
• eroding trust in science and scientists.

What are the tactics for manufacturing doubt?

More than two dozen strategies and tactics have been used to counter scientific evidence or to promote narratives favourable to specific industry sectors. Examples include:

1. To criticize study designs and overemphasize the shortcomings of studies.
2. To discredit, intimidate and threaten scientists.
3. To publish misinformation using consulting companies that specialize in supporting private interests.
4. To hide the sources of funding for research.
5. Cherry-picking data, designing studies to fail or come to a desired conclusion, or conducting meta-analyses that dilute scientific evidence.
6. Extensive lobbying towards regulators and policymakers so that the voice of the vested interest is often the main or even the only one heard in public consultations.

Read more

Policy brief: Conflicts of Interest in the Assessment of Chemicals, Waste and Pollution pdf, 137.7 kB. (137 Kb)

Scientific article: Conflicts of Interest in the Assessment of Chemicals, Waste, and Pollution

About the work

The work was facilitated by IPCP, the International Panel on Chemical Pollution, www.ipcp.ch. The International Panel on Chemical Pollution (IPCP) was established in 2008 and is an independent assembly of academic scientists. It aims to provide an objective assessment of research on chemical pollution and waste and provides a platform for independent academic researchers across the globe to inform regional and global guidance for science policy. The IPCP contributes to shaping chemicals and waste management policies at regional to international scales.