Ethical challenges in an age of overpopulation.

do not have the appropriate depth of knowledge – for example data handlers, although very skilful in their own areas of expertise, may be accredited to lecture on subjects such as the scientific method or on ethics, which require a sound academic grounding. in addition, the marketing divisions of pharma may have interests in supporting those who spend more heavily on their products so that there is a risk of selective funding to attend sacra-organised meetings – a possible platform for the selection and functioning of the working committee. it is possible to resolve real and potential conflicts of interest in a more inclusive and transparent manner that satisfies ethical norms and also meets the requirements of pharma. Oversight of accreditation might take place through independent professional organisations such as the colleges of Medicine of south africa or a continuing medical education (cMe) group linked to the south african Medical association. under this umbrella, there could be collaborative involvement of universities, industry, researchers and ethicists. it is recognised that the problem of oversight may be related in part to inadequate funding for bodies fulfilling regulatory roles. This could be addressed by government and industry at a cost that would be a small fraction of the overall budget for research. The separation of funding and course content by means of an unrestricted grant, coupled with disclosures of financial interests by lecturers, is common practice in cMe. all stakeholders wish to take clinical research forward for the benefit of patients and to have high-quality training courses in Gcp. Vigilance is required to avoid the conflicts of interest that will inevitably arise from a single stakeholder having a predominant role.