Scientists urged to adopt Universal Ethical Code by Sir David King

Government Chief Scientific Advisor addresses the challenges facing the scientific community - News

Monday 19 March 2007
By Naomi Weston

Chief Scientific Adviser, Sir David King, challenged scientists to back the Universal Ethical Code for Scientists, in a lecture held at Imperial College last Tuesday, delivered as part of National Science and Engineering Week.

Urging scientists to adopt and help promote the values of Rigour, Respect and Responsibility, which are the cornerstones of the code, Sir David said: "I have no doubt that the vast majority of scientists are highly ethical and already adhere to many elements of this code. There is a lot of existing good practice but the code sets down some basic practices and beliefs explicitly. We use the terms Rigour, Respect and Responsibility as a simple illustration of our promise to the community as scientists, and as a demonstration to the public that scientists take ethical issues seriously."

The universal code aims to foster ethical research, encourage active reflection among scientists on the implications of their work and support constructive communication between scientists and the public on complex and challenging issues.

Key points of the code include encouraging scientists to engage with the public, minimise and justify adverse effects their work may have on others and work to avoid misleading the public.

Sir David emphasised the need for scientists, researchers and industry to subscribe to the code and in particular encourage its implementation in universities and schools. "We want to develop a future generation of people who have trust in scientists" said Sir David.

The code, completed in 2006, has been piloted and tested in key Governmental agencies and will now be rolled out more widely across Government, with the Office of Science and Innovation and the Chief Scientific Advisers Network helping take it forward. Researchers, scientists in industry, university educators and students are also being encouraged to get on board.

Professor Sir Leszek Borysiewicz, Deputy Rector of Imperial College, gave the final vote of thanks. He said: "Here at Imperial we are committed to education and research in the field of science, engineering and medicine. As a leading international research institution it is vital that our researchers and students look after their own individual responsibilities, continue to foster good relationships with the public and adopt this new ethical code."

The code was developed as a result of work by Sir David King, members of the Council for Science and Technology, and the Science and Society Champions Network, several of whose member organisations took part in the pilot. To access the code, go to www.dti.gov.uk/science/science-and-society/public_engagement/code/page28029.htm

The seminar was the last one in a series organised by the Imperial College Science Communication Group.