A conflict of interest (COI) can arise from:

A conflict of interest (COI) often arises when an individual's financial relationships can potentially influence their objectivity or professional decisions. In this context, financial relationships could involve personal investments, sponsorships, or any monetary advantages that might sway someone's judgment, particularly in educational settings, research, or professional practices. Such influences can lead to biased outcomes, impacting the integrity of the educational process, research results, or decision-making.

In contrast, peer collaboration on projects, independent research, and networking opportunities can enhance learning and professional growth but do not inherently present conflicts of interest unless accompanied by undisclosed financial or ethical considerations. Therefore, while collaborations and networking are valuable, they do not, by themselves, create a situation where objectivity may be compromised as financial relationships can.