Authors must disclose relationships and interests that could reasonably be perceived to influence the research question, access to evidence, interpretation, or presentation of a manuscript. Disclosure provides context for assessment and does not automatically make a submission ineligible.

Financial and non-financial interests

Relevant financial interests may include employment, consultancy, paid advisory work, honoraria, grants, ownership interests, patents, and commissioned research. Non-financial interests may include institutional office, advocacy commitments, personal relationships, or direct involvement in the organization or policy examined.

In governance research, an author may also be a policy adviser, public official, regulator, campaign participant, or member of an institution studied. Explain the relevant role and its connection to the research. A general academic interest in a topic is different from a specific relationship that could affect access, interpretation, or judgement; when uncertain, disclose the circumstance to the editor.

Preparing the declaration

Provide a clear statement for each author, naming the relevant organization or relationship and explaining its connection to the work. If no relevant interests exist, state that the authors declare no competing interests. Funding and the funder’s role should also be reported in the funding statement.

Disclose restrictions on data access, confidentiality, or publication that arise from these relationships. Supply identifying information separately when needed for double-anonymous review, while allowing the editor to evaluate it. Update the declaration if a relevant interest develops or becomes known during assessment or production.

Editorial assessment and omissions

Editors may request clarification, additional disclosure, or safeguards for assessment. The response depends on the relevance of the interest and its possible effect on the research; disclosure does not substitute for sound methods or reliable evidence. An undisclosed interest discovered after publication may require a correction or reassessment where it materially affects the record.

Editors and reviewers have their own disclosure and recusal duties under Editor & Reviewer COI. Authors who identify a specific conflict affecting an evaluator should raise it privately with the editor and provide the relevant reason.