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Conflicts of Interest in GM Bt Crop Efficacy and Durability Studies

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  • Thomas Guillemaud
  • Eric Lombaert
  • Denis Bourguet

Abstract

Public confidence in genetically modified (GM) crop studies is tenuous at best in many countries, including those of the European Union in particular. A lack of information about the effects of ties between academic research and industry might stretch this confidence to the breaking point. We therefore performed an analysis on a large set of research articles (n = 672) focusing on the efficacy or durability of GM Bt crops and ties between the researchers carrying out these studies and the GM crop industry. We found that ties between researchers and the GM crop industry were common, with 40% of the articles considered displaying conflicts of interest (COI). In particular, we found that, compared to the absence of COI, the presence of a COI was associated with a 50% higher frequency of outcomes favorable to the interests of the GM crop company. Using our large dataset, we were able to propose possible direct and indirect mechanisms behind this statistical association. They might notably include changes of authorship or funding statements after the results of a study have been obtained and a choice in the topics studied driven by industrial priorities.

Suggested Citation

  • Thomas Guillemaud & Eric Lombaert & Denis Bourguet, 2016. "Conflicts of Interest in GM Bt Crop Efficacy and Durability Studies," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 11(12), pages 1-14, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0167777
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0167777
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. The PLoS Medicine Editors, 2008. "Making Sense of Non-Financial Competing Interests," PLOS Medicine, Public Library of Science, vol. 5(9), pages 1-3, September.
    2. Diels, Johan & Cunha, Mario & Manaia, Célia & Sabugosa-Madeira, Bernardo & Silva, Margarida, 2011. "Association of financial or professional conflict of interest to research outcomes on health risks or nutritional assessment studies of genetically modified products," Food Policy, Elsevier, vol. 36(2), pages 197-203, April.
    3. Maira Bes-Rastrollo & Matthias B Schulze & Miguel Ruiz-Canela & Miguel A Martinez-Gonzalez, 2013. "Financial Conflicts of Interest and Reporting Bias Regarding the Association between Sugar-Sweetened Beverages and Weight Gain: A Systematic Review of Systematic Reviews," PLOS Medicine, Public Library of Science, vol. 10(12), pages 1-9, December.
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