IBM, Elsevier Science, and Academic Freedom

Citation

Bailar JC, Cicolella A, Harrison R, LaDou J, Levy BS, Rohm T, Teitelbaum DT, Wang Y, Watterson A & Yoshida F (2007) IBM, Elsevier Science, and Academic Freedom. International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health, 13 (3), pp. 312-317. https://doi.org/10.1179/oeh.2007.13.3.312

Abstract
Elsevier Science refused to publish a study of IBM workers that IBM sought to keep from public view. Occupational and environmental health (OEH) suffers from the absence of a level playing field on which science can thrive. Industry pays for a substantial portion of OEH research. Studies done by private consulting firms or academic institutions may be published if the results suit the sponsoring companies, or they may be censored. OEH journals often reflect the dominance of industry influence on research in the papers they publish, sometimes withdrawing or modifying papers in line with industry and advertising agendas. Although such practices are widely recognized, no fundamental change is supported by government and industry or by professional organizations.

Keywords
Elsevier; Industry influence; Research; Academic freedom; Employees Health and hygiene; Academic freedom; International Business Machines Corporation; Elsevier Science Publishers; Industrial relations

Journal
International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health: Volume 13, Issue 3