If a reviewer identifies a conflict of interest, what is the best course of action?

When a reviewer identifies a conflict of interest, the most appropriate course of action is to inform the oversight committee and withdraw from the review process. This response ensures that the integrity and impartiality of the review process are maintained. By stepping back, the reviewer helps prevent any potential bias that could affect the evaluation of the proposal. Transparency is crucial in research ethics, and notifying the oversight committee allows for proper management of the situation, ensuring that another reviewer without conflicts can take over.

Engaging in the review despite the identified conflict, attempting to address the conflicts in personal notes, or seeking advice from the proposal authors could compromise the fairness and objectivity of the review process, which is why these alternatives are typically not recommended. By following the protocol of informing the oversight committee, the reviewer upholds ethical standards and contributes to maintaining trust in the research and evaluation system.