Good practice guidance for universities on the issue of tobacco industry funding

Cancer Research UK and Universities UK have signed a joint protocol containing good practice guidance for universities on the issue of tobacco industry funding. The world's health bodies, including the WHO, have welcomed the initiative.

The joint protocol acknowledges that while it is for each university to decide for itself what funds to accept, when to accept or reject an offer of funds and what work is to take place, Universities "will consider carefully" all the circumstances and whether to accept funding from any source "if to do so would be potentially detrimental to their reputation".

The joint protocol also notes that when Cancer Research UK is considering major new funding, a university's ties with the tobacco industry will be an important factor in the decision.

Diana Warwick, Chief Executive of Universities UK, says: "We are pleased with this joint protocol with Cancer Research UK. Our higher education institutions are dedicated to teaching and research for the public good and are committed to the academic freedom of their teaching and research staff. UK universities would not wish to undertake activities that compromise the integrity or independence of their work."

Jean King, Cancer Research UK's Director of Tobacco Control, says: "In the UK, a third of all cancer deaths are caused by smoking, so it is vital that Cancer Research UK takes a strong stance against the tobacco industry. Nobody should forget that a tobacco company's aim is to sell its product and make profit. This is helped by making its product as socially palatable as possible."

Dr Derek Yach, an Executive Director of the World Health Organisation (WHO), says: "In the year since its adoption in May 2003, 100 countries have now signed the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. The text requires governments to be vigilant against undue influences of the tobacco industry as new policies are introduced.

"As governments take action, Universities should consider following the lead shown by Cancer Research-UK and all adopt similar codes that protect the integrity of science against the tobacco industry as their way of showing coherence with the spirit of the FCTC."

Isabel Mortara, Executive Director of the International Union Against Cancer (UICC), says: "The Joint Protocol deals with a major ethical problem – protecting academic research from abuse by corporate interests. The decision of Cancer Research UK not to financially support research institutions that receive tobacco industry funding is a responsible response to this issue. UICC urges all funders and donors to adopt similar policies."