AAAS - The World's Largest General Scientific Society

Programs: Science and Policy

http://shr.aaas.org//projects/research_ethics/index.shtml

AAAS Scientific Responsibility, Human Rights and Law Program

Research Ethics

AAAS has been dedicated to promoting research ethics by providing guidance and educational materials to research administrators, scientists and students. The exchange of information and research collaboration often occur across borders. Science is a global enterprise that excels by virtue of sharing and building upon knowledge. As the structure of the international environment changes, so do the practices of the scientific community. From the collapse of the Soviet Union in the late 1980s, to the rise of China in the 21st century, AAAS has examined how responsible science can be fostered in the international arena. The Program has engaged in a number of projects to promote research integrity and ethic, as well as focused on research misconduct.

			Workshop on Responsible Professional Practices in a Changing Research Environment [2011-present] In conjunction with its Annual Meeting, AAAS will convene a one-day workshop on Responsible Professional Practices in a Changing Research Environment. The 2013 workshop has as its theme, "Professional Development and Responsible Science". The 2012 workshop was centered on issues related to international research. The 2011 workshop highlighted emerging issues related to a changing research environment. The workshops have been supported with funding from the 3M corporation, ORI, and NSF.

China and Research Integrity
[2007-present]

The joint AAAS and China Association for Science and Technology (CAST) workshop was held on November 7-8, 2011at Zhejiang University in Hangzhou, China. The focus was on developing cross-cultural case studies for research ethics education in U.S. and Chinese universities. AAAS and CAST convened a meeting in September 2007 in Beijing to begin a cross-national dialogue on issues related to integrity and social responsibility in science. In addition to the four meetings convened so far, there are plans for joint projects and other collaborative activities.More…

			AAAS-National Academies Compilation of Resources on Scientific Misconduct and Research Integrity [2008-present] Trust and accountability are integral to the research enterprise and the sharing of scientific information. To demonstrate their commitment to protecting the integrity of science, AAAS, in collaboration with the National Academies, has established this website for students, researchers, administrators, and policymakers.

			AAAS-ORI's Select Bibliography and Resources on the Responsible Conduct of Research [2005] This bibliography and resources guide were produced by staff and interns of the Scientific Freedom, Responsibility and Law Program in collaboration with the U.S. Office of Research Integrity.

Developing Policy on Institutional Conflict of Interest Conference
[2004]

AAAS cosponsored an event with University of Nevada-Las Vegas, Association of American Universities, Association of American Medical Colleges, National Association of State Universities and Land Grant Colleges, and the Office for Human Research Protections, on the establishment of institutional conflict of interest policies.

Legal Issues and Strategies for Responding to Allegations of Research Misconduct
[2001]

AAAS hosted a conference on legal issues and strategies for responding to allegations of research misconduct. Changes in regulatory policy and recent litigation regarding research misconduct have complicated the legal environment for the federal government, colleges and universities.More...

			Integrity in Scientific Research Videos [1996, 2000] These videos are designed to help improve the ability of scientists, post-doctoral fellows, undergraduate and graduate students, administrators, and technicians to develop informed and well-reasoned responses to ethical issues that arise in scientific research. More…

Responding to Allegations of Research Misconduct: Inquiry, Investigations, and Outcomes
[2000]

In anticipation of a federal-wide definition and policy for research misconduct in 2000, AAAS convened a practicum on research misconduct, where participants had the opportunity to obtain hands-on experience and interact with colleagues and government officials. More…

			The Role and Activities of Scientific Societies in Promoting Research Integrity [2000] This conference examined the role of scientific societies in influencing the ethical climate for research. Questions such as the following were addressed: What are the responsibilities of scientific societies to foster responsible research practices? In what concrete ways do the scientific societies promote research integrity? How effective are these efforts? More…

			The Role of Scientific and Engineering Societies in Eastern Europe [1994] The democratic and economic transition in Eastern Europe has far-reaching implications for science and for scientists, who have gained greater professional autonomy and new possibilities to participate in policymaking and to develop standards of conduct.

			Evaluating Science and Scientists: An East-West Dialogue on Research Evaluation in Post-Communist Europe [1993] The political and economic transformation of Eastern Europe has had a major impact on science and scientists in the region. The end of the Cold War has brought new opportunities for international collaboration. The shift to a market economy has led to reforms in research management practices and to drastic cuts in funding levels everywhere.

			Breaking from the Past: Setting New Ground Rules for Scientific Freedom and Responsibility in East-Central Europe and the Russian Federation [1991-1992] In the interest of investigating the impact of political and economic changes on scientific freedom and responsibility, AAAS sponsored a project in Fall 1991 to determine what scientists, engineers, science journalists, and policy makers viewed as the most pressing concerns about scientific freedom and responsibility in Poland, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, and Russia.

For more on AAAS international endeavors, visit the International Office of AAAS.

(page updated 01/11/2013)