Competing Interests Statement
ICMJE requires disclosure of relationships and activities that could be perceived as potential conflicts of interest. Journals can use different labels and forms, so this guide focuses on transparent disclosure rather than imposing one universal heading or wording.
A competing interests statement discloses relevant relationships or activities that could be perceived to influence a scholarly work. Use the journal’s requested label, scope, disclosure form and placement.
Key details
Important caveats
Scope Boundary
["Terminology, disclosure period, placement and required wording vary by journal and discipline; the page does not substitute for the target publication’s policy."]
Further guidance
Content
["Follow the journal’s disclosure form or instructions and state applicable relationships accurately; where the journal requires a no-conflict statement, use its prescribed wording."]
Purpose
["Use a competing-interests/conflict-of-interest statement to disclose relevant relationships or activities under the journal’s policy."]
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- Author Responsibilities—Conflicts of Interest — ICMJE (opens in a new tab)International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) · ICMJE disclosure guidance for relationships and activities that may represent or be perceived as conflicts/competing interests