The alcohol industry and public interest science.
OBJECTIVE
This report argues that the growing involvement of the alcohol industry in scientific research needs to be acknowledged and addressed. It suggests a set of principles to guide ethical decision-making in the future.


METHODS
We review relevant issues with regard to relationships between the alcohol industry and the international academic community, especially alcohol research scientists. The guiding principles proposed are modelled after expert committee statements, and describe the responsibilities of governmental agencies, the alcohol industry, journal editors and the academic community. These are followed by recommendations designed to inform individuals and institutions about current 'best practices' that are consistent with the principles.


CONCLUSIONS
Growing evidence from the tobacco, pharmaceutical and medical fields suggests that financial interests of researchers may compromise their professional judgement and lead to research results that are biased in favour of commercial interests. It is recommended that the integrity of alcohol science is best served if all financial relationships with the alcoholic beverage industry are avoided. In cases where research funding, consulting, writing assignments and other activities are initiated, institutions, individuals and the alcoholic beverage industry itself are urged to follow appropriate guidelines that will increase the transparency and ethicality of such relationships.
Stenius
Kerstin
K
THL, National Institute for Health and Welfare, P.O. Box 30, FI00271 Helsinki, Finland. kerstin.stenius@thl.fi
Babor
Thomas F
TF
D000434:Alcoholic Beverages / Q000191:economics; D035843:Biomedical Research / Q000191:economics / Q000941:ethics* / Q000592:standards; D016265:Conflict of Interest; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D019649:Food Industry / Q000941:ethics* / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000592:standards; D033161:Government Regulation; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D006801:Humans; D012109:Research Support as Topic