What is the intended outcome of having conflict-of-interest policies in grant proposal reviews?

The intended outcome of having conflict-of-interest policies in grant proposal reviews is specifically to minimize the risk of unfair advantages. These policies are established to ensure that the review process is fair and impartial, allowing for an equitable evaluation of all proposals, regardless of the personal relationships or biases of the reviewers. By addressing potential conflicts of interest, the integrity of the evaluation process is upheld, which helps maintain public trust in the distribution of funding and resources. This is essential for ensuring that grants are awarded based on merit and the potential impact of the research, rather than on personal connections or conflicts that may influence a reviewer's judgment.