The Ministry of Science and Higher Education actively supports initiatives aimed at promoting ethical standards in the scientific community. We recommend reading the Decree of the Polish Academy of Sciences on the Code of Ethics for Researchers of December 5, 2024.
Code of Ethics for Researchers
The Code of Ethics for Researchers (Kodeks Etyki Pracownika Naukowego) is a document that establishes basic principles and norms of professional behavior for researchers and scientists in Poland. It was developed to maintain high ethical standards in scientific research and to preserve public trust in scientific activity.
The Code was drafted by the Commission on Ethics in Science, which operates under the Polish Academy of Sciences.
The members of the Commission are elected by the General Assembly of the Polish Academy of Sciences from candidates nominated by the scientific and academic community.
The Commission promotes standards of ethics and integrity in scientific research and investigates cases of ethical violations by university employees, scientific units of the Academy and research institutes.
The key principles of the Code are:
- Integrity: the honest conduct of research, the absence of deception and falsification.
- Objectivity: the need to avoid subjectivity in analyzing and interpreting data.
- Accountability: responsibility for one's research to society and the scientific environment.
- Transparency: openness in research methodology, funding, and results.
- Collegiality: respecting the rights of other researchers and facilitating collaboration.
New Code of Ethics for Researchers
At its 153rd session, held on December 5, 2024, the General Assembly of the Polish Academy of Sciences approved a new Code of Ethics for Researchers. The document consists of three sections and 54 paragraphs, which provide guidelines on handling scientific data, conducting research, co-authored articles, publishing, peer review and preparation of expert opinions.
Read the full text of the document at link.
Main provisions of the Code:
Ethical Values of Science
Adherence to the fundamental principles of academic honesty - integrity, honesty, objectivity, and independence - is the responsibility of all participants in scientific processes (researchers and academic institutions). These principles guide all aspects of research, from the selection of topics to the interpretation of data. They protect research activities from the influence of political, economic or ideological interests, ensuring the validity and objectivity of findings.
Conducting scientific research involving humans, living organisms and the natural environment
Research involving human participants must comply with the requirements of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Participants must be informed about the purpose, scope, use and storage of data. The research must respect human dignity, guarantee voluntary participation and protect autonomy. Informed consent of the participant (or his/her legal representative) with the right to withdraw consent at any time without repercussions is a prerequisite.
Research subjects, including living organisms, the natural environment and cultural property, must be used with respect and care.
Authorship and scientific publications
One of the key sections of the Code is the regulation of authorship. An individual who meets three conditions may be considered an author or co-author:
- making a significant contribution to the research concept or design, collecting, analyzing or interpreting data
- preparation and active participation in writing the first version of the text of the scientific work or carrying out its critical analysis
- Approval of the final version of the text for publication.
All co-authors are jointly responsible for observing ethical standards in scientific research. The Code condemns such violations as plagiarism, artificially increasing the number of publications, and infringement of intellectual property norms.
Training of young scientists
Researchers in teaching and supervisory positions should fulfill their duties conscientiously, not abuse their authority, and treat students with respect.
Relations with the community
Researchers play an important role in shaping public opinion, especially on matters relating to their scientific competence. They have a duty to base their public statements on scientific evidence, avoiding exaggeration of research results or applications.
Conflicts of interest
To preserve the objectivity of research, the Code requires an open declaration of possible conflicts of interest, such as those related to funding or peer-reviewed work.
Combating gross violations of ethical principles
The Code categorically prohibits actions such as fabrication and falsification of data, plagiarism, manipulation of data, and abuse of authority. Academic institutions have an obligation to investigate violations of scientific ethics, to ensure academic honesty and to take appropriate action against researchers who violate ethical principles.
At Scientific Publications, we adhere to high standards of academic honesty in scientific research and publication, and value the trust of our clients. We assist scholars in preparing and publishing research papers in international databases, strictly adhering to the norms and principles of scientific ethics.
Our team includes experienced specialists who will help you prepare a scientific article in accordance with the Code of Ethics for Researchers and the requirements of the selected journal. Our technical department will check the text for uniqueness using professional software, and editors will ensure that the article meets the standards of the publication.
If you want to order a check of scientific article for compliance with ethical standards, fill out the form below. Our manager will contact you within a day to clarify all the details.
