Science is committed, above all, to the truth. However, science should also always be guided by fundamental ethical principles. At Forschungszentrum Jülich, ethical actions are an integral part of scientific excellence. After all, research can only reach its full potential when it provides trust, guidance, and added value for society in addition to creating new knowledge.
Research ethics is focused on fundamental ethical principles that are essential for responsible science – and the substantiation of these principles into approaches to solving problems in everyday scientific practice. At Forschungszentrum Jülich, such principles are structurally anchored in clear guidelines and procedures, supporting the reliable implementation of ethical standards in day-to-day research.
These principles include, for example, honesty, conscientiousness, integrity, and self-criticism. The concept of “good scientific practice” encompasses rules that are based on these principles and are central to the day-to-day work of researchers. Excellent research requires the application of innovative methods, the collection and analysis of data, and the development of new theories. It also needs researchers to be self-critical, whilst acting cooperatively and fairly towards each other. This is the only way to achieve outstanding results to the benefit of society.
Forschungszentrum Jülich is committed to its great societal responsibility to conduct excellent research while adhering to the highest ethical standards.
In order to avoid scientific misconduct – or at least to recognize it an early stage and take consistent action against it – rules for upholding good scientific practice are in place at Forschungszentrum Jülich, which all researchers must comply with. Ombudspersons can also be contacted in cases of suspected misconduct.
Further ethical principles, which are relevant to science, serve as a guide for Forschungszentrum Jülich, such as the principle of respect for autonomy, the principle of non-maleficence, and the principle of justice. Committees, most of which are required by law, are responsible for ensuring compliance with these principles.
Other ethical questions can be posed, for example, if research results are associated with security-relevant risks or there is the possibility of misconduct. For such instances, Forschungszentrum Jülich has set up its own Committee for Ethics in Research, which takes a critical look at planned projects and makes recommendations as necessary.
Forschungszentrum Jülich is thus committed to its great societal responsibility to conduct excellent research while adhering to the highest ethical standards. The ombudspersons for good scientific practice and the Committee for Ethics in Research are strong institutionally anchored committees supporting the implementation of research ethics at Jülich.
