What might be a consequence of failing to address a conflict of interest?

Failing to address a conflict of interest can lead to invalid results and significantly damage the credibility of the research and the researchers involved. When conflicts of interest are not disclosed or managed appropriately, it raises ethical concerns regarding the integrity of the research process. This can compromise the validity of the findings, as the influence of external interests may bias the research outcomes, potentially skewing results in favor of those interests rather than producing objective, reliable data. Moreover, if the research is later found to have undisclosed conflicts, it can harm the credibility of the researchers and undermine public trust in the research field as a whole. Such repercussions can have long-lasting effects not only on individual careers but also on the overall scientific community's reputation.