The European Code of Conduct for Research Integrity

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What is this about?

The 2023 Revised Edition of the European Code of Conduct for Research Integrity, published by ALLEA, is a comprehensive framework designed to guide researchers, institutions, funders, and publishers across all scientific and scholarly disciplines in upholding high standards of research integrity.

It outlines four core principles, Reliability, Honesty, Respect, and Accountability, which together define good research practices, ranging from study design and methodology to publication, data management, and peer review.

Beyond principles, the Code details how to implement good practices in concrete contexts: research environments, training and mentoring, research procedures, data management, collaboration, publication and authorship, reviewing and assessment. It also defines what constitutes violations of research integrity and how institutions should handle misconduct.

The 2023 revision responds to contemporary developments such as stricter data-protection rules (e.g., GDPR), the rise of Open Science, new research practices including citizen science, use of digital tools and AI, and evolving publication and evaluation practices to ensure the Code remains relevant and effective.

Why is this important?

The Code is important because it helps safeguard the trustworthiness and quality of research in a rapidly changing scientific environment. By providing a common, widely recognised standard for ethics and integrity, it supports transparency, reproducibility, and responsibility in research which are vital for scientific credibility, public trust, and societal impact. The 2023 update ensures these standards remain relevant in light of new data-management norms, Open Science, AI tools, and evolving publication practices. It also promotes a healthy research culture that values equity, inclusion, and fairness, making research more ethical and socially responsible.

For whom is this important?

ResearchersResearch Institutions and UniversitiesResearch funders and funding agenciesPublishers, journals, and editorsPolicymakers and regulators at European and national levels

Other information

When

2023

Virtues & Values