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Industry also engages the SAESs in site-specific evaluation of new products (often chemical 

 products). Perhaps here, more than in any other part of our industrial relationship, we are 

 accused of being in the position of having a potential conflict of interest. We are asked to 

 accept funding from a manufacturer to evaluate the efficacy of a product produced by that 

 company. Environmentalists and consumers frequently express concern about this 

 relationship. It is one which requires and is receiving increased attention at the institutional 

 level. 



In summary, we are seeking an increased engagement with industry, believing the 

 relationship to be mutually beneficial. In the process of doing this, we aim to maintain the 

 objectivity of our insdtutional and scientific identities. The issue is complex, but a case-by- 

 case examination almost always reveals areas of sensitivity, where mechanisms can be 

 employed to avoid the appearance of conflict of interest. 



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