The IPCP is proud to learn that our “Conflicts of Interest in the Assessment of Chemicals, Waste, and Pollution” Feature paper in Environmental Science & Technology (2023) has been recognized by the journal as a second joint runner-up in its category. The paper analyzes the critical issue of conflicts of interest in the soon to be established intergovernmental Science Policy Panel on chemicals, waste, and pollution prevention. We expose tactics used by vested interests to manipulate evidence, evaluate arguments for and against industry participation in the new panel, and provide recommendations for protecting the panel’s integrity. The IPCP hopes that our paper continues to contribute to the recognition that the future panel needs to:
- 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 participate and contribute as observers.
- Install regular audits of the panel’s work to check for conflict of interest.
- Include as many elements of transparency as possible.
Full paper:
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.est.3c04213
Press release:
https://www.ipcp.ch/news/press-release-scientists-flag-conflicts-of-interest-ahead-of-un-plastic-and-chemical-talks
Policy brief:
https://www.ipcp.ch/activities/ipcp-policy-brief-conflicts-of-interest-in-the-assessment-of-chemicals-waste-and-pollution