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Ethics and integrity

Researchers are expected to behave in an ethically-responsible manner in their activities. In practice, ethics and integrity in the research community has several components.

Professional codes

In New Zealand, Royal Society Te Apārangi's Code of Professional Standards and Ethics is a is a professional code that Members of the Society are bound to obey. It is also used on a voluntary basis by others. 

The Research Charter for Aotearoa New Zealand is a resource suitable to be adopted in full or in part by any organisation developing its own policy or code.

Working with human subjects

In New Zealand, research involving the collection of personal information must meet established standards of practice. Many research organisations use ethics committees, including independent lay members, to review and approve proposals for their adherence to good practice.

Working with animal subjects

In New Zealand, research involving the use of animals must meet established standards of practice. New Zealand is a member of the Australia New Zealand Council for Care of Animals in Research and Teaching (ANZCCART).

Publication ethics

Publication ethics include matters such as plagiarism, self-plagiarism and falsification of published results. The Committee on Publication Ethics is an international body that has established a model of best practice.

Public engagement by researchers, scholars and scientists

Modern society expects to be able to openly discuss and debate research findings, and sometimes to participate in the design and execution of research and its dissemination. As Royal Society Te Apārangi, we have published Public Engagement Guidelines for Researchers, Scholars and Scientists for such engagement.

Research integrity

Research integrity is a term used to describe the adherence to good ethical standards during the conduct of research, excluding the aspects of publication and working with human and animal subjects. The Royal Society of New Zealand’s Code of Professional Standards and Ethics includes research integrity.