Ethics

Science communication as a collective intelligence endeavor: A manifesto and examples for implementation.

Journal Publication / By

Effective science communication is challenging when scientific messages are informed by a continually updating evidence base and must often compete against misinformation. We argue that we need a new program of science communication as collective intelligence—a collaborative approach, supported by technology. This would have four key advantages over the typical model where scientists communicate as …

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Author Interview: “How Should the US Federal Government Oversee Clinicians’ Relationships With Industry?”

Audio / By

Following the publication of my article How Should The Us Federal Government Oversee Clinicians’ Relationships With Industry? in the American Medical Association’s Journal of Ethics, I was featured on their Author Interview podcast series. On the podcast I discuss with host Tim Hoff how my theory of the Professionalism Paradox applies in the medical field and …

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How should the US Federal Government oversee clinicians’ relationships with industry?

Journal Publication / By

Abstract Many clinicians, including those who work in government, experience potential clashes between their professional responsibilities and personal interests that can create conflicts of interest (COIs). Some clinicians might assert that their personal stakes do not influence their professional actions, but data suggest otherwise. This commentary on a case suggests that COIs must be acknowledged …

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Storming of the U.S. Capitol: How Blind Loyalty Fuels The Unthinkable

Forbes Column / By

Loyalty is often seen as a trait that prompts us to be better people, however in certain circumstances loyalty can have the opposite effect and increase unethical behavior. In this Forbes article I discuss research by some of my colleagues into these effects and how the unfortunate events of January 6, 2021 illustrated this dark side …

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Conflicts of Interest and COVID.

Popular Press / By

Financial incentives can be a factor in pandemic policy decisions—albeit frequently at a subconscious and unintentional level. During the COVID-19 pandemic, leaders face difficult decisions that involve trade-offs between economic outcomes and public safety. These conflicts of interest can impact decisions related to closures, quarantines, lockdowns, social distancing, and mask-wearing. However, many decision-makers claim that …

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When Science Becomes Embroiled in Conflict: Recognizing the Public’s Need for Debate while Combating Conspiracies and Misinformation.

Journal Publication / By

We explore the common attributes of political conflicts in which scientific findings have a central role, using the COVID-19 pandemic as a case study, but also drawing on long-standing conflicts over climate change and vaccinations. We analyze situations in which the systematic spread of disinformation or conspiracy theories undermines public trust in the work of …

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Conflicts of interest and disclosure

Report / By

The Royal Commission into Misconduct in the Banking, Superannuation and Financial Services Industry was established on 14 December 2017 by the former Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, His Excellency General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC (Retd) to enquire into misconduct in the banking, superannuation and financial services industry. I was asked by the Royal Commission to respond to the following questions: How …

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