Conflict of Interest

A conflict of interest exists when professional judgement concerning the validity of research may be influenced by a secondary interest, such as financial gain, personal relationships, or institutional loyalty. BJEAS requires the full disclosure of all such interests by authors, reviewers, and editors.

Authors must include a Conflict of Interest statement in every manuscript. Where no conflict exists, the following wording should be used: "The authors declare no conflict of interest." Where a conflict exists, it must be described in full, including the name of the funder or commercial entity and the nature of the relationship.

Interests that must be declared include employment or consultancy with an organisation with a financial interest in the subject matter; ownership of shares, patents, or patent applications; receipt of research funding, honoraria, or travel support; membership of advisory boards; and close personal or family relationships with individuals or organisations affected by the work.

Reviewers must decline an invitation if they have collaborated or published with any author in the preceding three years, work at the same institution, hold a financial interest in the outcome, or have any other relationship that could impair objectivity. Editors are subject to the same requirement and must transfer such manuscripts to an independent editor.