Policy on Ethics and Scientific Integrity (2014), Agence Nationale de la Recherche

What is this about?

The Policy on Ethics and Scientific Integrity (2014), authored by the Agence Nationale de la Recherche, is a national framework promoting research integrity in France. Written in French and targeting French researchers and institutions, it formalises principles of honesty, accountability, professional courtesy, and stewardship of resources, linking these to reproducibility, credibility, and societal trust. It defines responsibilities across the research cycle, including authorship, citation, conflict-of-interest management, transparency of methods and data, responsible supervision, and fair peer review. Procedures for handling misconduct are outlined, ensuring due process, proportional sanctions, and learning opportunities. By aligning with international standards, the policy connects French practice to global norms, supporting mobility and comparability of researchers. Education and training on responsible conduct are emphasised, alongside guidance on open science, digital tools, and data management. Equity and diversity are integrated as cross-cutting themes. Combining principles with practical tools, glossaries, and reporting systems, it serves as both a policy and a practical handbook.

Why is this important?

Policy on Ethics and Scientific Integrity distils national expectations for research integrity in France and clarifies what researchers and institutions in French need to do to comply. It reduces ambiguity, aligns local practice with international norms, and offers actionable steps that improve transparency, reproducibility, and equitable access. For policy leads, it is a benchmark; for authors and administrators, it is a practical checklist. Published by Agence Nationale de la Recherche in 2014, it is a credible reference to cite in institutional policies, training, and grant documentation.

For whom is this important?

ResearchersResearch institutionsPolicy makersFunding agencies

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