Case Study: The Royal Academy of Engineering Government Office for Science The Royal Academy of Engineering developed its own The GCSA (Government Chief Scientific Adviser) Department for Statement of Ethical Principles as a code of ethics that and Head of the Government Office for Science is Innovation, would apply to all engineers whatever their discipline. Universites & The Statement is in the same spirit as and consistent responsible for: with the Universal Ethical Code, but focuses on issues • Providing scientific advice personally to the Prime Skills specific to the engineering profession. The Statement, Minister and members of Cabinet (in consultation produced in collaboration with the UK Engineering with Departmental Chief Scientific Advisers when Council, was disseminated amongst the engineering appropriate); institutions and was met with a very positive response. • Advising the Prime Minister and Cabinet on The major engineering institutions have now pledged their support for the code and have accepted it as a set aspects of Government policy on science and of guiding principles for their members. The Academy technology; has also, along with the Engineering Professors’ Council, • Ensuring and improving the quality and use of produced a ‘curriculum map’ advising engineering scientific evidence and advice in Government; departments on how to incorporate ethics teaching into • Leading the science and engineering profession the engineering degree. within the Civil Service. Responsibility Department for Innovation, It’s about communicating results and intentions honestly and accurately, and understanding that Universities and Skills your work or its outputs will have an impact on The Department for Innovation, Universities and society in its broadest sense. Engaging scientists in Skills will drive forward delivery of the Government’s a dialogue with those publics is just one of the key long-term vision to make Britain one of the best activities which the Department for Innovation, places in the world for science, research and Universities and Skills is promoting through innovation and to raise the level of education and initiatives like the Sciencewise programme. skills at every level in our economy to give the UK Government Office for Science the competitive edge. Science and innovation is a Case Study: The Environment Agency key part of the Department. The Environment Agency was able to implement the Code following a restructuring of its Science For more information contact: Rigour Department in 2007. Internal consultation with The Science & Society Team the Science Management team, Science Managers, Department for Innovation, Universities & Skills (DIUS) Legal, Procurement and HR Departments clarified Respect that the Code was consistent with existing practices 1 Victoria Street and Codes of Conduct. Staff were then briefed, London SW1H 0ET Responsibility and an intranet site set up to explain how the Code T. 020 7215 6520 would impact staff in daily practice. The Agency is E. [email protected] now working on the ways in which it can embed A Universal Ethical Code www.dius.gov.uk the code in an individual’s objectives and personal for Scientists development plans. First published September 2007. © Crown Copyright. DIUS/PUB 8619/0.5K/09/07/NP. URN 07/1430 The Universal Ethical Code What is the Universal Ethical Code What Does it Really Mean? for Scientists for Scientists? Rigour “Our social licence to operate as scientists needs to be founded on a continually renewed The Universal Ethical Code for Scientists is a public It’s all about making sure you keep your own skills relationship of trust between scientists and statement of the values and responsibilities of fresh, and encouraging others to do so, particularly society. The code has been developed in my scientists. By scientists we mean anyone whose if you are responsible for a team. It’s about Office to help us meet this challenge.” work uses scientific methods, including social, encouraging strict adherence to scientific method Sir David King, Government Chief Scientific Adviser natural, medical and veterinary sciences, whatever the subject area, understanding how your and Head of the Government Office for Science engineering and mathematics. results have been informed by the work of other scientists, and acknowledging those factors which Rigour The code has three main aims: have influenced you. Rigour, honesty and integrity • Act with skill and care in all scientific work. • to foster ethical research Case Study: Veterinary Laboratories Agency (VLA) • to encourage active reflection among scientists Maintain up to date skills and assist their VLA were one of the five government agencies on the implications and impacts of their work development in others. to pilot the code. There is now felt to be a • to support communication between scientists • Take steps to prevent corrupt practices and clear perception that adherence to the Code’s and the public on complex and challenging professional misconduct. Declare conflicts of interest. principles is very much part of normal business. issues. • Be alert to the ways in which research derives It is recognised as an important component in from and affects the work of other people, and the induction and training programme of new Individuals and institutions are encouraged to adopt respect the rights and reputations of others. entrants. The commitment from staff at Director and promote these guidelines. It is meant to capture Level is reinforced to those new entrants face to a small number of broad principles that are shared Respect face. All VLA scientists, including students and those across disciplinary and institutional boundaries. Respect for life, the law and the public good who are visiting, are expected to abide by a set of • Ensure that your work is lawful and justified. documented principles which include advice on all • Minimise and justify any adverse effect your work may three elements of the Code. have on people, animals and the natural environment. What it isn’t! Respect This code is not intended to replace codes of Responsibility Put simply it means adherence to the Law and conduct or ethics relating to specific professions or Responsible communication: listening and making sure that subjects of studies (whether areas of research. informing people, animals, plants or the environment more • Seek to discuss the issues that science raises for society. widely) are treated as humanely as possible. In a The code is not mandatory but scientists and Listen to the aspirations and concerns of others. social science context, that may mean ensuring institutions are encouraged to reflect on and debate • Do not knowingly mislead, or allow others to confidentiality for subjects of study, while in other how these guidelines may relate to their own work. be misled, about scientific matters. Present contexts it will involve a detailed balancing act and review scientific evidence, theory or between the need for progress and the need to interpretation honestly and accurately. minimise adverse impacts of your work.