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When you choose to publish with PLOS, your research makes an impact. Make your work accessible to all, without restrictions, and accelerate scientific discovery with options like preprints and published peer review that make your work more Open.

Is it a competing interest?

In order to uphold the integrity of the peer review process, everyone involved in the research, writing and evaluation of a manuscript—including authors, editors, and reviewers—must declare potential competing interests. Practically, though, the scientific community is relatively small, and it’s not uncommon to know other researchers in your field.

How close does a relationship have to be before it qualifies as a competing interest? Take a minute to answer the following questions to see how comfortable you are.

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