Laws, ethics, biobanks Flashcards
What are the five key principles in the Netherlands Code of Conduct for Research Integrity (2018)?
Honesty
Scrupulousness
Transparency
Independence
Responsibility
What does “honesty” mean in the context of research integrity?
Researchers must be honest in their methods, data collection, results, and reporting, ensuring no falsification or misrepresentation.
What does “scrupulousness” require from researchers?
Research must be conducted with precision, care, and attention to detail, ensuring that results are reliable and reproducible.
What is the focus of “transparency” in research?
Researchers should be transparent in their methods, data collection, analysis, and publication, allowing others to verify and reproduce results.
What is the meaning of “independence” in research?
Researchers must avoid conflicts of interest and external pressures, ensuring that their work is impartial and objective.
What does “responsibility” require from researchers in terms of their work?
Researchers should consider the broader social, ethical, and environmental impacts of their research and act responsibly in their scientific practice.
What should you do if you witness minor violations or honest mistakes in research?
Discuss the issue openly with your colleague or supervisor to clarify the situation and correct the mistake if necessary.
What are “questionable research practices” and what should you do if you encounter them?
Practices like p-hacking, sloppy statistics, or peer review abuse. Contact the Confidential Counselor for Research Integrity for advice, such as Professor Aas van der Lugt at Erasmus MC.
What should you do if you believe serious research misconduct (fabrication, falsification, plagiarism) has occurred?
File a formal complaint with the Research Integrity Committee, chaired by Professor Muel Kapteijn, providing a clear description and evidence.
Can complaints be made anonymously?
Complaints are usually not anonymous, as the accused has the right to know who made the complaint, but exceptions can be made for serious allegations.
What is the role of a confidential counselor in the research integrity process?
The confidential counselor offers private advice and will not take action unless you agree. They help navigate concerns or questions about research integrity.
What are the 21 duties of care mentioned in the Netherlands Code of Conduct?
These duties are institutional responsibilities like providing training, ensuring good data management, promoting a healthy research culture, and supporting publication ethics.
