Banning fossil fuel industry linked research Leading the way Our flagship journal, The BMJ , has set a new benchmark for integrity in medical publishing by taking decisive action against fossil fuel industry influence. In November 2024, it became the first of the world’s top five general medical journals to introduce a formal policy banning advertising or research funded by fossil fuel companies. The journal also strengthened its advertising policy by banning advertising from banks that finance fossil fuels, strengthening our leadership in climate-conscious publishing. An investigation followed in The BMJ , “How much does the fossil fuel industry fund medical research?”, 46 revealing how companies use such medical research to enhance their credibility and shape health narratives. The investigation uncovered over 180 articles published over six years acknowledging fossil fuel funding and a further 1,000 authored by individuals affiliated with fossil fuel companies. Much of this work focused on high burden diseases or was channelled through healthcare joint ventures, which raises serious concerns about scientific neutrality and ethical sponsorship. In response, The BMJ expanded its policy to exclude fossil fuel funded research from BMJ Open and BMJ Medicine with plans to roll out this ban across all journals published by BMJ Group. The policy has prompted wider debate across academia and health institutions. Public health bodies, including the Faculty of Public Health and the University of Bath, have since called for broader divestment from fossil fuels and more robust ethical publishing standards. 47
“Medical journals have an important role in not only advocating for climate action but also taking action.” Dr Kamran Abbasi , editor in chief, The BMJ
The BMJ stands alone among leading medical journals in banning fossil fuel funded research. 48
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