Ethical issues
Within the 40 principles of the Code of Conduct and the Researchers' Charter (C&C), 9 of them are related to ethical issues:
- Freedom of research. Researchers are free to conduct their research, subject to any limitations that may arise.
- Ethical principles. Researchers abide by the ethical standards documented in national, sectoral or institutional ethical codes.
- Professional responsibility. Researchers strive to make their research relevant to society.
- Professional attitude. Researchers are aware of possible funding mechanisms and apply for the necessary permissions and inform UZ in case of changes to a project.
- Contractual and legal obligations. Researchers are aware of the regulations regarding training and working conditions.
- Responsibility. Researchers who are publicly funded adhere to the principles of competence, transparency and efficiency in financial management.
- Good research practices. Researchers adopt safe working methods to safeguard health and safety. They are aware of and comply with current legislation on data protection and confidentiality.
- Dissemination and exploitation of results. Research results are disseminated and exploited through communication or commercialisation.
- Non-discrimination. UZ does not discriminate against researchers on the grounds of gender, age, ethnicity, nationality, religion, political opinion, etc...
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The University of Zaragoza has different Units in charge of working on different ethical aspects that, in many cases, have an impact on researchers. Among them we could name (mostly in Spanish):
- Occupational Risk Prevention Unit
- Gender Equality Observatory
- Office for Attention to Diversity
- University Ombudsman, responsible for safeguarding the rights and freedoms of the members of the university community, which must be respected by university bodies and services.
The drafting of a Code of Good Practice in Research has also been completed. This code has been approved by the Governing Council and includes aspects related to conflicts of interest, research with human or animal material, biosafety, health and occupational safety, intellectual property and publication, among others.
In addition, the Welcome Manual was created, which is available to any new researcher, both in English and Spanish.
The University of Zaragoza has also approved a Code of Ethics for the entire university community, which includes aspects related to research, but also to teaching, administration, etc.
On the other hand, it should be noted that the University of Zaragoza has different commissions that ensure compliance with these ethical principles and that allow for the development of good practices:
- Advisory Commission on Ethics for Animal Experimentation
- Commission for the Protection of Inventions
- Biosafety Committee
Finally, in recent years, plans and policies have been developed that have an impact on different aspects related to the ethical principles of our institution:
Related documentation
Several documents have been developed to support the welcome to new researchers and to the dissemination of ethics and good practices in research in our University