Conflict of Interest (COI) Policy
At Journal of Biomedical Research & Environmental Sciences (JBRES), we believe that trust in scientific publishing depends on transparency, integrity, and responsible reporting. A conflict of interest (COI) does not automatically disqualify a manuscript—however, non-disclosure can compromise credibility. This policy explains what to declare and how.
What is a Conflict of Interest?
A conflict of interest exists when financial or personal relationships could influence—or be perceived to influence— the objectivity, interpretation, or presentation of research. COIs can involve authors, reviewers, editors, and institutions. JBRES follows widely recognized principles supported by medical and scientific editorial communities to ensure fair and unbiased publication decisions.
Disclosing a COI does not mean your research is biased; it allows readers to interpret findings with full context.
Proper COI statements reduce post-publication disputes and increase confidence in your conclusions.
Open access makes research widely accessible; COI disclosure strengthens credibility for a global audience.
Who Must Declare Conflicts?
All authors must disclose relevant financial and non-financial relationships connected to the work.
Editors must avoid handling manuscripts where personal or professional interests could impact decisions.
Reviewers should decline a review if a conflict exists (competitive, collaborative, financial, or personal).
Common Types of Conflicts of Interest
Financial Conflicts (Examples)
- Grants, funding, or sponsorships related to the submitted research.
- Consulting fees, honoraria, paid advisory roles, or speaker bureau participation.
- Employment or leadership roles in organizations that may gain or lose from publication.
- Stock ownership, equity interests, patents, or patent applications connected to the research.
- Reimbursements, travel support, or non-cash benefits linked to the study topic.
Non-Financial Conflicts (Examples)
- Personal relationships or disputes that may influence scientific judgment.
- Academic competition, intellectual bias, or strong professional rivalries.
- Institutional affiliations that may benefit from certain outcomes.
- Strong ideological beliefs or advocacy positions related to the research topic.
- Religious, political, or personal viewpoints affecting interpretation of results.
How to Write a COI Statement
Authors must include a clear COI statement in the manuscript under a section titled “Conflict of Interest”. If no conflict exists, you must still include a statement confirming that.
Editorial Handling During Peer Review
During peer review, if an editor or reviewer identifies a potential conflict, they may request additional information. When necessary, JBRES may reassign the manuscript to an alternate editor or remove a reviewer to maintain fairness. The goal is a review process that is objective, confidential, and free from undue influence.
Ethical Publishing Builds Global Confidence
JBRES welcomes responsible research that strengthens medicine, biology, and environmental sciences. If you need help preparing your COI statement, contact our editorial office.