People:

Rigour, respect and responsibility: a universal ethical code for scientists

Rigour, honesty and integrity

• Act with skill and care in all scientific work. Maintain up to date skills and assist their development in others.
• Take steps to prevent corrupt practices and professional misconduct. Declare conflicts of interest.
• Be alert to the ways in which research derives from and affects the work of other people, and respect the rights and reputations of others.

Respect for life, the law and the public good

• Ensure that your work is lawful and justified.
• Minimise and justify any adverse effect your work may have on people, animals and the natural environment.

Responsible communication: listening and informing

• Seek to discuss the issues that science raises for society. Listen to the aspirations and concerns of others.
• Do not knowingly mislead, or allow others to be misled, about scientific matters. Present and review scientific evidence, theory or interpretation honestly and accurately.

Original discussion was based on BBC report of the code as

THE CODE

1. Act with skill and care, keep skills up to date
2. Prevent corrupt practice and declare conflicts of interest
3. Respect and acknowledge the work of other scientists
4. Ensure that research is justified and lawful
5. Minimise impacts on people, animals and the environment
6. Discuss issues science raises for society
7. Do not mislead; present evidence honestly

Planning and Resources Committee discussed and Research Advisory Committee (2008-01-21) formally endorsed and recommended to the General Meeting (2008-03-15) the following amended version

THE CODE

1. Act with skill and care, keep skills up to date
2. Prevent corrupt practice and declare conflicts of interest
3. Respect and acknowledge the work of other scientists
4. Ensure that research is justified and lawful
5. Minimise negative impacts on people, animals and the environment
6. Discuss issues science raises for society
7. Do not mislead; present evidence honestly

The General Meeting replaced "other scientists" by "others", and referred the code back to RAC for further discussion.