Shaping science policy
COI, in the context of science policy, is often thought of as a problem primarily for the biomedical sciences, and especially drug development. The following story about US Science Councils, however, provides a good example of how COI can be problematic across a range of advisory bodies.
According to an investigation released today by the nonprofit Center for Science in the Public Interest, the National Coal Council is similar to other unbalanced science panels across the government that give industry inappropriate influence over federal regulatory policy.
Government advisory committees that deliver policy recommendations are supposed to be comprised of members that represent a wide range of stakeholders, including representatives of regulated industries, consumers, and community groups. Government advisory committees that advise agencies on scientific issues are supposed to be made up of scientists without financial ties to industry who can render independent, objective advice. Both types of committee are plagued with problems, according to CSPI.
The issues here are clear. When a government advisory group is supposed to represent a diversity of perspectives – and is labelled as such by govt – and yet its membership is dominated by a particular interest (whether this be industry or various other interest groups), then there’s a serious problem of integrity and legitimacy.