The declaration of conflict ofinterest is an important tool helping to understand the results of studies andopinions expressed by authors of scientific publications. In recent years it has become obligatory todeclare any conflict of interest in publications as well as for oralpresentations at scientific meetings. The idea is excellent yet the form which is currently used for thedeclaration is faulty: it is usuallyrequired and sufficient to declare connection with (in various forms – fromhonoraria to share ownership) in pharmaceutical companies. There are however many other conflicts ofinterest that have to be taken into account when interpreting presentations.

In the contribution to thissymposium various possible conflicts of interest will be discussed andsuggestions will be made about ways to improve the declaration.