Identification and management of conflicts of interest: governance tools for the Observatory on the Quality of the Food Supply

This chapter examines the ethical and institutional challenges of managing conflicts of interest (COI) in academic research settings, using the case of a public health–oriented research observatory engaged in collaborations with the agri-food industry. It begins by synthesizing the literature on COI in nutrition research, highlighting how financial, institutional, and ideological links of interest can shape research agendas, undermine credibility, and erode public trust. The analysis emphasizes that COI are not exceptional anomalies but pervasive and often unavoidable features of contemporary research environments. Building on this conceptual foundation, the chapter develops a structured governance framework for identifying, assessing, and managing links of interest. It proposes a staged process centred on systematic disclosure, evaluation of the intensity and nature of relationships, and context-sensitive decision-making. Particular attention is given to transparency, the clarification of roles and responsibilities in collaborations, and the importance of ongoing monitoring mechanisms. The chapter concludes with a set of practical tools and guiding questions designed to support institutional decision-making. These instruments aim to preserve institutional integrity while enabling ethically robust collaborations with external partners. Although developed for a specific organizational context, the proposed framework and tools are generalizable to other academic and public research institutions facing similar challenges.