Code of Ethics

Hello everyone,

You may know that ehtical behaviour in research has recently been in the spotlights. In that context, I would like to share the text of an email I received recently about a Code of Ethics developed by young scientists at the World Economic Forum:

The Code of Ethics (widgets.weforum.org/coe/) developed by the Young Scientists of the World Economic Forum (https://www.weforum.org/communities/young-scientists) in 2018 is a unique piece of work that addresses the need for an ethical framework for interdisciplinary research. Many codes of ethics have been drafted before, but so far no code that is interdisciplinary and global in its perspective has achieved universal uptake. The Code of Ethics is a much-needed framework for ethical research, to guide the behaviour of individuals and also the processes within scientific institutions, to facilitate the cultural shift necessary for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

Engagement with the public, engagement with policy-makers and supporting diversity are three of the 7 principles that make the Code; pursue the truth, minimize harm, be a mentor and be accountable complete the code.

You are encouraged to share it in the broadest possible way, especially within the research and academic communities.

The Code of Ethics has been developed by the Young Scientists of the World Economic Forum in consultation with leading universities worldwide; Science Gallery International has been involved in its development and review.

Follow the webcast of the session at Davos where the Code of Ethics was presented to hear more about the process that led to its development, as well as the comments from leading universities leaders (https://www.weforum.org/events/world-economic-forum-annual-meeting-2018/sessions/a0Wb000000ANmSzEAL)

Thanks, Richard de Grijs for the information.

I have a question relating to ethics. Many people/organizations conduct health outreach programs for the underserved communities where they may help to screen for: Random blood glucose, blood pressure, Body mass index, urinalysis et cetera. If after some years, the individual/organization feels it would be beneficial to communicate their findings from these outreach programs (something they probably did not plan initially). Even though they obtained consent / permission from participants during the outreaches, is it mandatory to obtain an ETHICAL APPROVAL when they want to publish the findings? How should they go about obtaining the approval? 

Francis Fagbule

Do you mean another approval from the community before publish? If so, NO. And you will do well if you do a community outreach on the study.

Cheers

NEW LINK FOR WEBCAST HERE