In the context of scientific investigations, ethical conduct is the expression of a behavior that is coherent with the development of new knowledge, knowledge that is gained through veracity, teamwork and transparency. Our society relies and places clear responsibility on investigators to expand human knowledge; it also places accountability on the scientific community to uphold the highest ethical standards. Thus, our commitment to a code of ethics is ultimately a commitment to the needs of our society.

The work of an investigator is to seek the truth of a physical reality. This by itself imposes the obligation to maintain a high standard of veracity on each and every one of the phases of the research endeavor from the generation of a hypothesis to the communication of the results.

The expression of an ethical code needs to have a place in our hearts. The Code of Ethics presented below represents the norms of conduct that we, as individuals and scientists, will uphold in representation of the Alliance.

FUNDAMENTAL TENETS OF ETHICAL RESEARCH

Freedom, only Truth Determines Science

  • Autonomy in the methodological process.
  • Neutrality in the problem proposition.
  • Neutrality in the interpretation of data.
  • Objectivity in the scientific process.
  • Constructive criticism of valid knowledge.

With Freedom There is Responsability in

  • The process of conducting and applying research findings.
  • Communicating findings.
  • Admitting error.
  • Expressing reservations on particular issues.
  • Ensuring the veracity of information.
  • Understanding the basic tenets of research misconduct.

Professional Attitude

Adhere to the goals and objectives of the Alliance

  • Understand the mission and the multiple initiatives the Alliance is sponsoring.
  • Understand our Roles and Responsibilities within the Alliance as a whole and with each project we are working with.
  • Contribute to the positive image of the Alliance and the Academic Institutions.
  • Display an attitude of Respectfulness, Honesty and Trust between our internal/external collaborators and workers.

Responsibility

  • Express discipline in our work and self learning habits.
  • To optimize the fiscal resources available to us.
  • To fulfill the obligations entrusted to us.
  • To work for the common good.

Teamwork Initiative

  • To contribute, create, innovate, improve and support the activities and the processes which are intrinsic to established projects and those that are in development.
  • To contribute towards an atmosphere of harmony within the Alliance fomenting positive interpersonal relations.
  • To contribute towards developing a culture of dialogue and conflict resolution.
  • To be proactive in the team work.
  • To generate constructive criticisms in an atmosphere of rational thinking.

Norms for the Conduct of Investigation

  • Understand our role as investigators in the context of human beings as subjects.
  • Take a course of Human Rights Protection during research offered by Citi program.
  • Comply with the full process of informed Consent for study participants.
  • Follow the guidelines of authorship and data sharing as established by the Alliance.