Maintaining credibility and integrity through independence from industry influence is a cornerstone of GINN’s mission. We are committed to fostering a transparent and independent relationship with stakeholders, especially public health professionals.
To uphold this commitment, GINN does not accept funding from transnational or multinational tobacco companies. GINN welcomes smokeless tobacco companies, but those involved in producing combustible tobacco (cigarettes, cigars) or owned by multinational/transnational tobacco companies are not. This policy safeguards our integrity and enables meaningful engagement with public health decision-makers, regulators, health professionals, and key stakeholders of legitimacy (KSOLs). Our stance aligns with the World Health Organization’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) Article 5.3, which protects policymaking from industry interference.
Our Key Focus Areas:
- Transparent Funding Sources
GINN secures funding exclusively from independent sources to maintain trust and accountability.- Clear Disclosure: All funding sources are openly disclosed on our website for accessibility and transparency.
- Independence Clauses: Funding agreements include clauses ensuring members and partners remain independent of Big Tobacco, preventing financial backers from influencing GINN’s research or activities.
- Rigorous Vetting: Prospective members are carefully vetted to ensure alignment with GINN’s values, avoiding conflicts of interest.
- Feedback Mechanism: Stakeholders and members can provide feedback or raise concerns about funding sources, enabling proactive issue resolution.
- Workshops
Planned events, webinars, and seminars will remain free from industry sponsorship to uphold independence. - Partnerships
GINN collaborates only with entities committed to public health, ensuring no industry bias infiltrates these relationships. - Research and Publications
As GINN begins publishing independent research in peer-reviewed journals, we will actively encourage contributions and reviews from public health professionals to maintain objectivity and credibility. - Forums and Conferences
GINN hosts forums and conferences where industry attendance is permitted under strict monitoring to ensure a focus on evidence-based practices. - Advocacy and Policy Work
GINN engages in advocacy to strengthen public health policy frameworks, emphasizing independence from industry influences.
By adhering to these principles, GINN strives to build transparent, trustworthy relationships with stakeholders while maintaining complete independence from tobacco industry influence. This approach ensures our work is guided by science, integrity, and a commitment to public health.
