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Ethics Policy

Introduction

The Sci-Bono Discovery Centre is dedicated to conducting research with the utmost ethical integrity and adherence to international standards. This Ethics Policy outlines the commitment of Sci-Bono to observe and implement ethical principles, drawing inspiration from the Helsinki Declaration, the Nuremberg Code, and the Belmont Principles. By aligning with these esteemed ethical frameworks, Sci-Bono ensures the protection, respect, and well-being of research participants, the scientific community, and society at large.

Helsinki Declaration Observance

Respect for Autonomy and Informed Consent

In line with the Helsinki Declaration, Sci-Bono places paramount importance on respecting the autonomy of research participants. The informed consent process is meticulously designed to adhere to the Declaration's principles. Participants are provided with comprehensive information about the research, including its aims, potential implications, and foreseeable outcomes. The right to withdraw from the study without facing adverse consequences is explicitly communicated, ensuring a voluntary and informed decision-making process.

Justice and Fair Subject Selection

Sci-Bono ensures the just and fair selection of research subjects in accordance with the Helsinki Declaration. No individual or group is unfairly excluded from research investigations. The organization is committed to avoiding exploitation based on socio-economic status, education, vulnerabilities, or any other factors. Justice is further upheld by including participants based on merit, ensuring equitable distribution of the benefits and burdens of research.

Beneficence and Non-Maleficence

The principles of beneficence and non-maleficence, as emphasized in the Helsinki Declaration, guide the conduct of research at Sci-Bono. Researchers identify and mitigate potential harms while maximizing benefits for participants and society. The well-being of participants is prioritized, and researchers diligently work to eliminate any intentional harm throughout the research process.

Nuremberg Code Observance

Voluntary Consent and Informed Participation

The Nuremberg Code's emphasis on voluntary consent is rigorously followed at Sci-Bono. Researchers obtain explicit, voluntary, and informed consent from participants before involving them in any research activity. This ensures that participants are fully aware of the nature and purpose of the research, aligning with the Nuremberg Code's emphasis on preventing coercion and ensuring the voluntary participation of individuals.

Avoidance of Harm and Risk Mitigation

The Nuremberg Code's emphasis on avoiding harm and minimizing risks is a foundational principle at Sci-Bono. Researchers conduct thorough risk assessments and take proactive measures to mitigate potential harm to participants. This includes implementing rigorous protocols for data collection, storage, and analysis, as well as continuous monitoring to identify and address any emerging risks during the course of the research.

Belmont Principles Observance

Respect for Autonomy and Informed Consent

The Belmont Principles form the basis for Sci-Bono's commitment to respecting the autonomy of research participants. Informed consent is not only a procedural requirement but a fundamental aspect of respecting individuals' autonomy. Researchers at Sci-Bono actively engage in ensuring that participants have the necessary information to make informed decisions about their involvement in research.

Beneficence and Non-Maleficence

The Belmont Principles of beneficence and non-maleficence are deeply embedded in Sci-Bono's research ethos. The organization is dedicated to promoting the well-being of participants, maximizing benefits, and minimizing potential harm. Researchers adhere to professional codes of conduct, striving for the highest level of scientific rigor and quality in their research endeavors.

Justice and Fair Subject Selection

Justice, as outlined in the Belmont Principles, guides the fair selection of research subjects at Sci-Bono. The organization actively works to prevent any form of discrimination in participant selection, ensuring that the benefits and burdens of research are distributed equitably. Vulnerable populations are especially protected, and efforts are made to include them in research activities without exploitation.

Conflict Resolution

Sci-Bono acknowledges the potential conflict between transparency and confidentiality in reporting research results. In such instances, the organization adheres to the Belmont Principles:

• Confidentiality may be allowed for a maximum of 12 months, after which results should be made public.
• Researchers advocate for the importance of publishing findings in scientific journals and depositing datasets in a national data archive, emphasizing the scientific community's right to access and scrutinize research outcomes.