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Neutrality in Nutrition Science: Perspectives for Effective Public‐Private Partnerships
Author(s) -
Shlisky Julie,
Beaudreault Amy,
Wilkinson Lua,
Mclean Mireille,
Arabi Mandana
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.29.1_supplement.384.6
Subject(s) - neutrality , transparency (behavior) , diversity (politics) , public relations , variety (cybernetics) , private sector , confidentiality , qualitative research , political science , business , sociology , social science , law , artificial intelligence , computer science
The multi‐disciplinary nature of nutrition science creates an opportunity to engage diverse partners from various scientific fields and institutions, including private industry. However, the variety of partnerships also produces the opportunity for competing personal and professional interests. Although neutrality is of concern in nutrition research, guidelines are not defined in the literature. This qualitative study aimed to identify perceived challenges to achieving neutrality in the nutrition space and emphasize measures to ensure integrity in nutrition research through the experiences of experts. In Spring 2014, one‐on‐one interviews (n = 17) were conducted among nutrition science professionals. Interviewees were selected for diversity in experience, nationality, age, gender, sector and country of employment and provided agreement of confidentiality. The semi‐structured interview guide was pilot‐tested (n = 2) to secure content validity. Commonly used terms to define neutrality included: lack of conflict of interest, objective, unbiased, and evidence‐based decision making. Key themes guided development of five principles for pursuing neutrality utilizing appropriate guidelines and procedures: 1) Independent programing, 2) Systematic peer‐review, 3) Sectorial and geographic diversity, 4) Transparency in the decision‐making process, and 5) Fundraising diversity. Though only an initial step in an under‐studied area, adoption of these principle‐guided strategies may promote successful collaboration among public‐private partnerships. Research was supported by The Sackler Institute for Nutrition Science at the New York Academy of Sciences.