Ethical Problems in Research Collaborations with Commercial Entities

Research institutions increasingly collaborate with commercial entities to secure resources and foster impactful, transdisciplinary research. However, such partnerships can raise ethical concerns, including conflicts of interest, threats to academic freedom, and risks to Open Science. Without clear ethical safeguards, these collaborations may undermine research integrity and public trust.

In this statement, ALLEA outlines key considerations for assessing partnerships with commercial entities, emphasizing transparency, institutional alignment, and governance mechanisms. ALLEA calls on research institutions to implement robust ethical frameworks, establish arm’s-length oversight, and regularly review collaborations to safeguard scientific values and maintain public confidence.