To mitigate COI in toxicology, several strategies can be employed:
1. Disclosure: Professionals should disclose any potential conflicts to relevant stakeholders, including funding sources and affiliations. Transparency allows others to assess the potential for bias.
2. Independent Review: Engaging independent reviewers who have no conflicts can provide an unbiased perspective on research findings and regulatory decisions.
3. Institutional Oversight: Institutions can establish COI policies that require researchers and reviewers to declare and manage conflicts effectively.
4. Separation of Roles: Maintaining a clear separation between regulatory decisions and industry influence can help ensure that public interest remains the primary focus.
