For the science produced at IIM-CSIC to have a positive impact, while ensuring its quality and excellence, the responsibility and integrity of everyone involved in the scientific process are essential.
As stated in the CSIC Scientific Ethics and Integrity Portal, research integrity involves monitoring and promoting ethical principles and professional responsibilities in the conduct of research, which inspire and guarantee good scientific practice.
Although they remain difficult to define, the concepts of “ethics” and “integrity” in science are shaped by a range of mandates and agreements between different individuals and institutions around the world.
The Scientific Ethics and Integrity Committee (also known as CIEC) works at IIM-CSIC following the guidelines provided by the National Statement on Scientific Integrity (2015; signed by COSCE, CRUE and CSIC) and by the Council’s Code of Good Scientific Practices (2021), to ensure the integrity of our work and prevent misconduct that undermines the impartiality and reliability of our results, prevents due recognition of the work of our colleagues and hinders the progress of scientific research and its impact on society, striving to ensure that no one is left behind.
In addition to maintaining “scientific integrity”, our work also aims to be “ethical” within the field of bioethics. Bioethics at CSIC involves action in four main areas: research with human beings or with samples or data concerning them; research with animals; research with genetically modified organisms (GMOs); and research with biological agents that may pose a risk to society and the environment. Together with our Biosafety Committee, the IIM-CSIC Ethics and Integrity Committee works to safeguard these ethical matters, from respect for human condition, dignity and autonomy and the protection and confidentiality of personal data, to the protection of animal welfare and the safety and sustainability of the environment and the beings that inhabit it.
The Committee is supported by the CSIC Ethics Committee, a collegiate body that has supported the Presidency of CSIC since 2013, in compliance with Article 17 of the Statute of the CSIC State Agency.