Supervisor-Student Relations: Examining the Spectrum of Conflicts of Interest in Bioscience Laboratories

Authors: MacDonald, Chris¹; Williams-Jones, Bryn²

Source: Accountability in Research: Policies and Quality Assurance, Volume 16, Number 2, March 2009 , pp. 106-126(21)

Publisher: Taylor and Francis Ltd

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Abstract:

Much attention has been given to financial conflicts of interest (COIs) in bioscience research. Yet to date, surprisingly little attention has focused on other COIs that arise in supervisor--student relations. We examine a spectrum of related situations, ranging from standard graduate supervision through to dual relationships sometimes found in research with commercial potential. We illustrate some of the less-obvious factors that can bias supervisory judgment, and situate financial COI along a spectrum of forces that are deserving of recognition. We conclude by providing two sets of recommendations: one for individual supervisors, and the other for institutions and policy-makers.

Keywords: bioscience; conflict of interest; laboratory; professors; students; university

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/08989620902855033

Affiliations: 1: Keck Graduate Institute of Applied Life Sciences, 2: Programs of Bioethics, Department of Social and Preventive Medecin, School of Public Health of the University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Publication date: 2009-03-01

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