A code of ethics to increase public trust in scientists and science. It has been developed by the Italian Federation of Medical Scientific Societies (Fism) which, with this document, wants to outline the ethical boundaries within which to operate in the world of scientific research. The code, to be proposed and shared by all the researchers of the 211 IMF affiliated companies, is based on three virtuous rules: responsibility, transparency and correctness. "The objective of the document - underlines the IMF in a note - is in fact to combat the numerous scandals that have recently involved the scientific community. In fact, the cases of fabrication, falsification and plagiarism of research results are not isolated, especially in the biomedical sector. An evil triad - adds the Federation - generated by the pressure to publish, which in turn is determined by the legitimate ambition of researchers to advance in an academic career, and by their need to obtain adequate funding". The code lists some points that summarize the responsibilities of scientists towards their colleagues and civil society, and the values that should guide them. They range from the importance of transparency to reporting conflicts of interest. And again, from respect and recognition for the work of other scientists, to evaluating the legitimacy of research and the impact that these can have on people and the environment. "The document – reports the IMF – also underlines the frequent malpractice that occurs when, especially in Italy, some researchers communicate their data directly to the non-scientific press, without passing through the rigorous filter of evaluation (the so-called peer review)".
Specifically, here are the five 'key' points of the document that researchers should respect:
1) Openly declare your conflicts of interest and disclose those of others.
2) Respect and acknowledge the work of other scientists in your publications.
3) Make sure your research is justified and really increases knowledge.
4) Publish your results even when they don't agree with your and others' expectations.
5) Avoid publicizing your results unless they have first been evaluated by other scientists and published in specialized journals.
From Doctornews 12-17-07
