The City's Research Ethics
Research Ethics
Research conducted at Zewail City of Science and Technology is carried out according to high ethical standards.
The following is a general summary of some ethical principles that any researcher must implement while conducting his/her research at the city:
Researchers should seek to act with utmost honesty in all actions. This includes, but is not limited to, all scientific communications, reporting of experimental data, results, methods and procedures, and publication status. Researchers should not fabricate, falsify or misrepresent data under any circumstances. Furthermore, all research results should be presented in a manner that never deceives colleagues, granting agencies or the public.
Researchers should avoid biasing experimental design, data analysis, data interpretation, peer review, personnel decisions, grant writing, expert testimony and other aspects of research where objectivity is expected or required. They should avoid or minimize bias or self-deception and disclose personal or financial interests that may affect research.
Researchers should always keep promises and agreements, act with sincerity and strive for consistency of thought and action.
Researchers should carefully conduct experiments and avoid careless errors and negligence. They should carefully and critically examine their own work and the work of peers. In addition, researchers must keep good records of research activities such as data collection, research design and correspondence with agencies or journals.
Researchers are expected to share data, results, ideas, tools and resources. In addition, criticism and new ideas should always be appreciated.
Researchers must honor patents, copyrights and other forms of intellectual property. Researchers are not allowed to use unpublished data, methods or results without permission. Furthermore, credit must be given wherever it is due. This includes proper acknowledgement or credit for all contributions to research. Plagiarism is not acceptable under any circumstances.
Researchers must take all essential actions to protect confidential communications. This includes papers or grants submitted for publication, personnel records, trade or military secrets, and patent records.
Researchers are expected to publish in order to advance research and scholarship, not just to advance their own careers. Researchers must avoid wasteful and duplicative publications.
Researchers are expected to educate, mentor and advise students. They are expected to promote students’ welfare and to allow them to make their own decisions.
Researchers must respect their colleagues and treat them fairly.
Researchers must endeavor not only to avoid causing social harm, but also to promote social good and prevent or alleviate social harms through research, public education and advocacy.
Researchers must avoid discrimination against colleagues or students on the basis of sex, race, ethnicity or other factors that are not related to their scientific competence and integrity under all circumstances.
Researchers must maintain and improve their own professional competence and expertise through lifelong education and learning. Researchers must take steps to promote competence in science as a whole.
Researchers must know and obey relevant laws and institutional and governmental policies.