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When does conflict of interest become a problem, and what do we do about it?
Is anyone who takes money from business — or collaborate with company representatives — tainted and toxic? No. Collaboration with industry is part of the mission of many universities — it’s literally in the job description of many public scientists. Universities rely on industry funding, and a lot of important science throughout history came from private, rather than public, research. Plus, I’d rather have scientists wade into public policy than hide in ivory towers.
The notion that scientists are fatally tainted by engaging with industry stems, I think, from an unrealistic expectation. Scientists have never had special access to the truth, and every bit of science is a social construction made up of evidence, yes, but also influenced by biases and world views.
Related on the SLP
In the long run, science is self-correcting. Strong opinions, cultural prejudice, and filthy lucre can influence a scientist’s statements. But none of that matters over time if results are reproduced and experimental methods stand up to scrutiny.
Read full, original post: Are scientists who collaborate with industry tainted?
