18. July 2011 11:41
The European Code of Conduct for Research Integrity endorsed by European Science Foundation’s Governing Council
The European Science Foundation (ESF) announces the endorsement of The European Code of Conduct for Research Integrity by its Governing Council in Lisbon on 22-23 June 2011.
The code, which was launched at the World Conference on Research Integrity held in Singapore last July, was developed from a series of meetings and workshops involving the European Science Foundation (ESF) Member Organisations which are 78 national funding bodies, research-performing agencies, academies and learned societies from 30 countries. They worked in close collaboration with the All European Academies (ALLEA).
The code addresses the proper conduct and principled practice of systematic research in the natural and social sciences and the humanities in Europe. Whilst the new code is not intended to replace existing national or academic guidelines, it sets out a list of principles that these national guidelines should consider, including:
- Honesty in communication;
- Reliability in performing research;
- Objectivity;
- Impartiality and independence;
- Openness and accessibility;
- Duty of care;
- Fairness in providing references and giving credit;
- Responsibility for the scientists and researchers of the future.
“At a time when the need to build trust between science, society and policy makers is becoming increasingly important, it is essential that the culture of best practice is established as the foundation for research integrity,” said Marja Makarow, Chief Executive of the European Science Foundation. “Our aspiration is for the European Code to become a key driver for a global code of conduct for research integrity.”
This code offers a reference point for all researchers, complementing existing codes of ethics and complying with national and European legislative frameworks. Representing an agreement across 30 countries on a set of principles and priorities for self-regulation of the research community, it provides a possible model for a global code of conduct for all research.
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Notes to editors
For more information, please contact
Emma Knott, Kaizo
+44 (0) 207 3176 4715
Emma.knott@kaizo.net
About The European Science Foundation
The European Science Foundation coordinates collaboration in research, networking, and funding of international research programmes, as well as carrying out strategic and science policy activities at a European level. Its members are 78 national research funding and performing agencies, learned societies and academies in 30 countries. www.esf.org
- Links:
- Download the code: goo.gl/WRuVz
