When conducting research and publishing activities, scientists and scholars must adhere to the principles of scientific ethics. What is scientific ethics and what are the principles?
Both when conducting research and writing scientific papers, authors must adhere to the rules and principles established by scientific ethics. If these rules are not followed, researchers may be denied publication, research funding, and other opportunities.
What is scientific ethics?
Scientific ethics is a set of rules, principles, and behavioural norms established for researchers that indicate how research should be conducted.
The main goal of scientific ethics is to ensure the validity and reliability of knowledge in the scientific field. In addition, one of the tasks is to protect research participants, society and the environment as a whole from unscrupulous authors and the results of their activities.
Compliance with scientific ethics is essential for the responsible handling of data in research. Transparent reporting obliges researchers to accurately report the methods used, results and conclusions reached in the course of their research. This allows others to scrutinise and replicate the research.
Principles of scientific ethics
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Integrity
In their work, researchers must keep their promises and all agreements. They must be honest and consistent in their reasoning and actions.
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Transparency
In order to evaluate a study, it is important and necessary to consider the context, the rationale for the choice of methods and their relevance to the objectives, as well as the conclusions and possible prospects for further research. That is why the author should fully disclose these aspects.
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Objectivity
When writing material based on the results of a study for further publication, authors should adhere to the principle of objectivity. It is necessary to avoid bias and self-deception when evaluating your own work. This applies to data analysis and interpretation, expert testimony, personnel decisions and other aspects of work.
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Confidentiality
All important documents, grants, materials for publication, commercial and military secrets, patient medical data (in the case of relevant research) and personnel records and other types of confidential information must be kept secure to prevent information leakage.
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Intellectual property
Scientific ethics prohibits plagiarism. All researchers should respect the work of other researchers. The use of data that has not yet been published is strictly prohibited. If the research uses materials, methods, etc. of other researchers, it is imperative to indicate each primary source from which the information was taken.
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Openness
Authors should adhere to the principle of openness, be open to criticism and new ideas. This also includes sharing data, results, resources, tools and ideas.
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Protection of human subjects and animal care
Due care and attention must be taken when conducting research involving human subjects and animals. Risks and harms should be minimised as far as possible. In animal research, it is important to avoid unnecessary or poorly planned experiments. In research involving human subjects, the privacy, dignity and autonomy of the persons involved should be respected and special measures should be taken to protect vulnerable groups.
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Non-discrimination
In accordance with the norms of scientific ethics, any form of discrimination among colleagues and students on the basis of race, gender, ethnicity, and other non-scientific factors is not allowed during the research. All participants should have equal opportunities and equal access to resources and support for research.
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Honesty
Researchers must honestly report the results, methods and data used in the course of research. Scientific ethics strictly prohibits the invention, distortion or falsification of data in scientific research and papers.
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Legality
When conducting research and writing a paper, it is important to be guided by and comply with the laws and regulations, as well as the policies of governmental and institutional organisations.
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Respect for colleagues
You should show respect for your colleagues and treat them with consideration and fairness in all aspects of scientific cooperation and research activities.
Adherence to the principles of scientific ethics in conducting research and publishing activities is not only important, but also mandatory. Certain violations of ethical standards, such as falsification of data, are dealt with by the scientific community through mechanisms similar to sanctions for ethical violations, and the consequences of such actions may include, for example, dismissal from work.
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