The European Code of Conduct on Research Integrity: Prevention and Treatment

Scientific research is a shared enterprise. Any doubt or distrust about the ethical standards employed calls into question the basis of our scientific understanding. The European Code of Conduct for Research Integrity draws attention to the self-regulation needed from researchers and their institutions to prevent such detrimental developments. There have been flagrant cases of deliberate dishonesty, which are currently hitting the media, but most researchers have tended to think of these as rare events. Yet, as the number of researchers increases so do the cases of research misconduct. Fraud, fabrication, falsification and objectionable practices have become a critical issue in international science policy. Increasingly European researchers are collaborating across borders on joint research initiatives. With a diverse mix of research structures, funding systems and traditions across the continent, a common understanding of the demands of research integrity is essential. The European Code of Conduct for Research Integrity was developed to answer this need, involving members of the European Science Foundation and the All European Academies. It was welcomed at the Second World Conference on Research Integrity in Singapore last July as an example of international coordination that builds a basis for a worldwide consensus about research integrity. Research integrity begins with an individual’s responsibilities and brings obligations for research institutions, funders, learned societies, academies, editors and research efforts supported by the private sector. This presentation will discuss how the code acts as a reference point for all parts of the research spectrum. It is sufficiently inclusive to allow easy compliance with national and European legislation. It could be the basis for developing national regulations where none exist; it can complement existing codes or may enhance them. It addresses proper conduct in the natural and social sciences and the humanities, giving definitions of misconduct and good research practices. It is a standard for self-regulation rather than a body of law. It is not intended to replace existing national or academic guidelines, but shows Europe-wide agreement on a set of principles and priorities for the research community that will enable Europe to play its part in global research collaboration.