Developing guidance on assessing and managing conflicts of interest for a complex public health research consortium

What is new? Conflicts of interest in public health research are often addressed through disclosure alone, which is insufficient to protect research integrity. This paper reflects on the process of developing and implementing a conflict of interest policy for a complex, multi-institutional and multi-sector research consortium. What was the approach? The research uses a reflective case study approach, drawing on documents and reflexive notes to document the development and implementation of a COI policy in a research consortium on the commercial determinants of health. What is the academic impact? The paper identifies practical steps and considerations for managing conflicts of interest in complex collaborative research settings, reflecting on key questions and challenges encountered during this process. It details an empirically grounded framework for governing conflicts of interest in research and advances understanding of how such policies can be operationalised in practice. What is the wider impact? The paper offers actionable guidance on designing and embedding conflict of interest policies in complex collaborations, supporting more robust research governance and helping to safeguard the integrity of public health research.