For years, private researchers have had to disclose significant financial interests in research and the companies sponsoring the research (above $25,000). Now, scientists at NIH will likewise have to disclose their financial interests in research, such as entitlement to royalties for developed technology.
On Monday, NIH Director Elias Zerhouni officially implemented a policy requiring NIH researchers to divulge whether they are receiving royalties and other outside payments for their scientific research.
As the article notes, although most researchers were only making four figures or low-five figures, there were some who were receiving substantial six figure royalty payments. While such payments are not absolute evidence of some sort of taint in the research, it just doesn't smell right to have them hidden (and it does set up an odd precedent of making "secret" money).
This is definitely a step in the right direction of cutting out some unethical practices and restoring the public trust, so kudos to Dr. Zerhouni for getting it in place. Now, we'll be watching to make sure it's enforced ... .
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