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Resources

Guidelines

The Trust Code Supplement - A Global Code of Conduct for Research in Fragile Settings

What is this about?

The TRUST Code Supplement (16 May 2025) is an addendum to the original TRUST Code of Conduct, providing additional guidelines for conducting ethical research in global crises such as pandemics, natural disasters, or climate emergencies. The supplement builds on the original TRUST Code's core principles of fairness, respect, care, and honesty, emphasizing the need for these values to guide research during times of crisis.

In particular, the supplement addresses the challenges researchers face when acting under urgent, high-pressure conditions. It offers practical guidance on maintaining research integrity, ensuring transparency, and promoting accountability. It underscores the importance of informed consent, highlighting how it must be adapted to crisis settings while still respecting participants’ rights and dignity. Furthermore, the document emphasizes community engagement and the equitable distribution of research benefits, urging researchers to consider the needs of vulnerable or affected populations.

Researchers are encouraged to adopt culturally sensitive and context-specific approaches to ensure that their work aligns with local values and needs. Ultimately, the supplement aims to help researchers navigate the ethical complexities of crisis-driven research, ensuring that their work contributes positively to crisis response efforts while upholding the principles of equity and social responsibility. The supplement strengthens the original TRUST Code’s goal of fostering responsible and ethical research partnerships.

For whom is this important?

Researchers, Research Ethics Communities and Research Integrity Offices

Other information

Virtues & Values

• Fairness
• Honesty
• Care
• Respect