A sample definition by World Association of Medical Editors (WAME) states that conflict of interest “exists when a participant in the publication process (author, peer reviewer, or editor) has a competing interest that could unduly influence (or be reasonably seen to do so) his or her responsibilities in the publication process."
Any conflict of interest should be declared by all authors. This may include grants or honorarium, credits and promotions, memberships or any personal or professional relationships, data ownership rights of the academic or clinical units where the study was conducted, which may appear to influence the manuscript or deny due credit to the study site.
Such competing interests may not be unethical, but may be regarded as a questionable research practice.
ANIMAL STUDIES