Swiss Academy of Arts and Sciences Code of Conduct for Scientific Integrity (2021)

What is this about?

Swiss Academy of Arts and Sciences Code of Conduct for Scientific Integrity (2021) is a national framework authored by Aebi-Müller Regina E., University of Lucerne, Swiss National Science Foundation; Blatter Inge, Swiss National Science Foundation; Brigger Joël, Innosuisse ; Constable Edwin Charles, University of Basel, Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences ; Eglin Noëmi, swissuniversities ; Hoffmeyer Pierre, University of Geneva, Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences ; Lautenschütz Claudia, Swiss National Science Foundation ; Lienhard Andreas, University of Bern, swissuniversities ; Pirinoli Christine, HES-SO University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Western Switzerland, swissuniversities ; Röthlisberger Markus, Swiss National Science Foundation ; Spycher Karin M., Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences (, in english, targeting Switzerland. Originating from Switzerland, it aims to formalise principles of research integrity and open practice. It emphasises honesty, accountability, professional courtesy, and stewardship of resources, linking these values to reproducibility, credibility, and societal trust in research. The text covers responsibilities of researchers, institutions, funders, and journals, spelling out expectations for good practice in planning, conducting, publishing, and reviewing research. Common provisions include clear authorship criteria, proper citation and acknowledgement, management of conflicts of interest, transparency of methods and data, responsible supervision, and fair peer review. It also establishes procedures for handling breaches of integrity, defining misconduct, and setting up investigation mechanisms that ensure due process, proportional sanctions, and learning opportunities. By aligning with international standards, it connects local policy to global norms, reinforcing mobility of researchers and comparability of practices across borders. The document integrates the principle of education—training for students and staff on responsible conduct—ensuring that integrity is taught as a core skill rather than assumed knowledge. It also incorporates guidance on emerging issues such as data management, digital tools, open science, and new forms of dissemination, embedding integrity in contemporary workflows. Practical tools often include checklists, codes of behaviour, reporting templates, and FAQs, translating high-level principles into day-to-day actions. The intended audience spans researchers, supervisors, institutions, and policymakers, all of whom need clarity on their roles in safeguarding the credibility of research. Equity and diversity appear as cross-cutting themes, recognising that integrity involves creating inclusive environments free from discrimination, harassment, or exploitation. Overall, the resource situates research integrity as both a personal commitment and an institutional responsibility, embedding it into the full research cycle from design to dissemination. Annexes may provide case studies, historical context, and references to international declarations such as Singapore or Montreal statements. Definitions and glossaries support consistent interpretation, and contact points or ombudsperson systems are described to lower barriers to reporting. These features help the resource serve not only as a policy but also as a practical handbook.

Why is this important?

Swiss Academy of Arts and Sciences Code of Conduct for Scientific Integrity distils national expectations for research integrity in Switzerland and clarifies what researchers and institutions in Switzerland 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 Aebi-Müller Regina E., University of Lucerne, Swiss National Science Foundation; Blatter Inge, Swiss National Science Foundation; Brigger Joël, Innosuisse ; Constable Edwin Charles, University of Basel, Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences ; Eglin Noëmi, swissuniversities ; Hoffmeyer Pierre, University of Geneva, Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences ; Lautenschütz Claudia, Swiss National Science Foundation ; Lienhard Andreas, University of Bern, swissuniversities ; Pirinoli Christine, HES-SO University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Western Switzerland, swissuniversities ; Röthlisberger Markus, Swiss National Science Foundation ; Spycher Karin M., Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences ( in 2021, it is a credible reference to cite in institutional policies, training, and grant documentation.

For whom is this important?

All stakeholders in research

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