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Conflict of interest (COI) according to the World Association of Medical Editors (WAME) B...exists when there is a divergence between an individual’s private interests (competing interests) and his or her responsibilities to scientific and publishing activities such that a reasonable observer might wonder if the individual’s behavior or judgment was motivated by considerations of his or her competing interests^ [1]. Most individuals think of COI in financial terms, but in fact, it has as much to do with an individual’s loyalty to a research concept, society, or clinical belief system as it does with any financial considerations. The WAME suggests that each journal have its own definition of COI and attempt to maintain a consistent policy in its publication process. This editorial suggests that the InternationalUrogynecology Journal (IUJ)begin adoptinga formalprocess for reportingand managing COI among the editors, editorial board, reviewers, and authors. The intent is to guarantee the most transparent practice in scientific publication and provide the best and most balanced reviews forauthors submittingmanuscripts.COIdoes not necessarily disqualify a manuscript from review and ultimate publication as long as the COI is reported in a way that readers and policymakers can properly weigh its findings in light of other literature and if it can bemanagedwithdisclosure. We suggest adopting such policies to provide transparency, not to implement any form of censorship. The following areas are consistent with the WAME policy statement on COI, and we believe they should be the backbone of IUJ’s policy. In addition, the editors will adopt the form provided by the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors for declaring COIs [2]. Financial COI is present if an individual in the publication process has any expectation of receiving money, gifts, or services that would be related to a specific outcome in the publication process. For authors, this means accurately completing the COI form that accompanies any submission. For reviewers, this means either declaring a conflict of opinion and declining the review, or declaring the COI to the editor managing the manuscript. Academic COI is present if an individual in the publication process has a strong belief (academic passion) in an explanation of a phenomenon, method, or idea. This COI is probably the most difficult to manage. For authors it means not overstating research outcomes. For reviewers, it means objectively reviewing an article even contrary to personal opinions and beliefs. Personal COI is present if an individual in the publication process has a personal relationship (either positive or negative) such that it will unduly influence the outcome of the publication process.For reviewers, thismeansbeinghonest andnot allowing personal relationships to influence opinions and reviews. Institutional COI is present when an individual in the publication process has a tie to an institution that may have a position or interest in the outcomes of a publication. This COI is similar to the financial COI and is particularly pertinent for authors employed by the corporation producing the report. These areas of COI will become part of the IUJ’s instructions to authors, and editors will recommend that * Steven Swift [email protected]