Code of Conduct for Research Integrity

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Dean's Office

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Faculty phone:
+ 372 737 5341

Faculty email:
hv.dekanaat [at] ut.ee

Faculty address:
Jakobi 2, rooms 116–121, 51005 Tartu
Institute of History and Archaeology

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Jakobi 2, 51005 Tartu
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Jakobi 2, 51005 Tartu
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Jakobi 2, rooms 309–352, 51005 Tartu
Institute of Cultural Research

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(+372) 737 5223

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kultuuriteadused [at] ut.ee

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Ülikooli 16, 51003 Tartu
School of Theology and Religious Studies

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us [at] ut.ee

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Ülikooli 18–310, 50090 Tartu
College of Foreign Languages and Cultures

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maailmakeeled.ut.ee

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J. Liivi 4, 50409, Tartu
Viljandi Culture Academy

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+372 435 5232

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Posti 1, 71004 Viljandi

Dean's Office

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+ 372 737 5900

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sotsiaalteadused [at] ut.ee

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Lossi 36, 51003 Tartu
Institute of Education

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+372 737 6440

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haridus [at] ut.ee

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Salme 1a–29, 50103 Tartu
Johan Skytte Institute of Political Studies

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+372 737 5582

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skytte [at] ut.ee

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Lossi 36–301, 51003 Tartu
School of Economics and Business Administration

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+372 737 6310

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majandus [at] ut.ee

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Narva mnt 18, 51009 Tartu
Institute of Psychology

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psychology.ut.ee

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+372 737 5902

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psyhholoogia [at] ut.ee

Faculty address:
Näituse 2, 50409 Tartu
School of Law

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law.ut.ee

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+372 737 5390

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oi [at] ut.ee

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Näituse 20–324, 50409 Tartu
Institute of Social Studies

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yti.ut.ee

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+372 737 5188

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yhiskonnateadused [at] ut.ee

Faculty address:
Lossi 36, 51003 Tartu
Narva College

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+372 740 1900

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college [at] narva.ut.ee

Faculty address:
Raekoja plats 2, 20307 Narva
Pärnu College

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+372 445 0520

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info [at] pc.ut.ee

Faculty address:
Ringi 35, 80012 Pärnu

Dean's Office

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+372 737 5326

Faculty email:
med [at] ut.ee

Faculty address:
Ravila 19, 50411 Tartu
Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine

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biomeditsiin.ut.ee

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Employee contacts

Faculty phone:
+372 737 4210

Faculty email:
bsmi [at] ut.ee

Faculty address:
Biomeedikum, Ravila 19, 50411 Tartu
Institute of Pharmacy

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farmaatsia.ut.ee

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Employee contacts

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+372 737 5286

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pharmacy [at] ut.ee

Faculty address:
Nooruse 1, 50411 Tartu
Institute of Dentistry

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hambaarstiteadus.ut.ee

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+372 731 9856

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Raekoja plats 6, 51003 Tartu
Institute of Clinical Medicine

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clinicalmedicine.ut.ee

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+372 737 5323

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kmi [at] ut.ee

Faculty address:
L. Puusepa 8, 50406 Tartu
Institute of Family Medicine and Public Health

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tervis.ut.ee

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+372 737 4190

Faculty email:
dph [at] ut.ee

Faculty address:
Ravila 19, 50411 Tartu
Institute of Sport Sciences and Physiotherapy

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www.kk.ut.ee

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+372 737 5360

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kkdek [at] ut.ee

Faculty address:
Jakobi 5–205, 51005 Tartu

Dean's Office

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Faculty email:
ltt [at] ut.ee

Faculty address:
Vanemuise 46–208, 51003 Tartu
Institute of Computer Science

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cs.ut.ee

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+372 737 5445

Faculty email:
ics [at] ut.ee

Faculty address:
Narva mnt 18, 51009 Tartu
Estonian Marine Institute

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mereinstituut.ut.ee

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+372 671 8902

Faculty address:
Mäealuse 14, 12618 Tallinn
Institute of Physics

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www.fi.ut.ee

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W. Ostwaldi 1, 50411 Tartu
Institute of Chemistry

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chem.ut.ee

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+372 737 5261

Faculty email:
chemistry [at] ut.ee

Faculty address:
Ravila 14a, 50411 Tartu
Institute of Genomics

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genomics.ut.ee

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+372 737 4000

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info.genoomika [at] ut.ee

Faculty address:
Riia 23b, 51010 Tartu
Institute of Mathematics and Statistics

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www.math.ut.ee

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+372 737 5860

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ltms [at] ut.ee

Faculty address:
Narva mnt 18, 51009 Tartu
Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology

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tymri.ut.ee

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+372 737 5027

Faculty address:
Riia 23, 23b–134, 51010 Tartu
Tartu Observatory

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www.kosmos.ut.ee

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+372 737 4510

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kosmos [at] ut.ee

Faculty address:
Observatooriumi 1, Tõravere, 61602 Tartumaa
Institute of Technology

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tuit.ut.ee

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+372 737 4800

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info [at] tuit.ut.ee

Faculty address:
Nooruse 1, 50411 Tartu
Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences

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www.omi.ut.ee

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Faculty phone:
+372 737 5835

Faculty email:
om [at] ut.ee

Faculty address:
Vanemuise 46, 51003 Tartu

Institutions

Library

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utlib.ut.ee

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+372 737 5702

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library [at] utlib.ee

Faculty address:
W. Struve 1, 50091 Tartu
Youth Academy

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teaduskool.ut.ee

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Employee contacts

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+372 737 5581

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teaduskool [at] ut.ee

Faculty address:
Uppsala 10, 51003 Tartu
Museum

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muuseum.ut.ee

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+372 737 5674

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muuseum [at] ut.ee

Faculty address:
Lossi 25, 51003 Tartu
University of Tartu Natural History Museum and Botanical Garden

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natmuseum.ut.ee

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https://www.ut.ee/en/kontakt/loodusmuuseum-botaanikaaed

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+372 737 6076

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loodusmuuseum [at] ut.ee

Faculty address:
Vanemuise 46, 51003 Tartu

Support Units

Administrative Office

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+372 737 5606

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kantselei [at] ut.ee

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Ülikooli 18a, 51005 Tartu
Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation

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+372 737 4809

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eik [at] ut.ee

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Narva mnt 18, 51009, Tartu
University Office in Tallinn

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University Office in Tallinn

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Employeescontacts

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+372 737 6600

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esindus [at] tallinn.ut.ee

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Teatri väljak 3, 10143 Tallinn
Estates Office

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+372 737 5137

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Ülikooli 18a, 51005 Tartu
Finance Office

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+372 737 5125

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rahandus [at] ut.ee

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Jakobi 4, 51005 Tartu
Grant Office

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+372 737 6215

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Raekoja plats 9, 51004 Tartu
Information Technology Office

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+372 737 6000, IT-help: +372 737 5500

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ito [at] ut.ee, arvutiabi [at] ut.ee

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Ülikooli 18a, 51005 Tartu
Human Resources Office

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+372 737 5145

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personal [at] ut.ee

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Ülikooli 18, rooms 302 and 304, 50090 Tartu
Internal Audit Office

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Ülikooli 18-244, 51005 Tartu
International Cooperation and Protocol Office

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+372 737 6123

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iro [at] ut.ee

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Ülikooli 18, rooms 104, 301, 305, 50090 Tartu
Marketing and Communication Office

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+372 737 5687

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info [at] ut.ee, avalik [at] ut.ee

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Ülikooli 18, rooms 102, 104, 209, 210, 50090 Tartu
Office of Academic Affairs

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Ülikooli 18, 50090 Tartu
Procurement Office

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+372 737 6632

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Ülikooli 18a, 51005 Tartu
Rector's Office
Rector's Strategy Office

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rektor [at] ut.ee

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Ülikooli 18, 50090 Tartu
Student Council

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Ülikooli 18b, 51005 Tartu
University of Tartu Press

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University of Tartu Academic Sports Club

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+372 737 5371

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Ujula 4, 51008 Tartu
Tartu Student Village

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campus.ee

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Narva mnt 25, 51013 Tartu
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tym [at] ut.ee

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Kalevi 24, 51010 Tartu
Tartu University Hospital

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L. Puusepa 1a, 50406 Tartu
University of Tartu Foundation

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+372 737 5852

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triin.vakker [at] ut.ee

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Ülikooli 18, 50090 Tartu
View all other units

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The aim of the Estonian Code of Conduct for Research Integrity is to support knowledge about, acceptance and entrenchment of research integrity in the Estonian research community. The Code of Conduct for Research Integrity describes the conduct expected from researchers and the responsibility of research institutions in ensuring research integrity, thus contributing to the increase of credibility of research in the eyes of the individual and the public.

On 31^st of January 2020 the senate of the University of Tartu accepted instructions for applying the Code of Conduct for Research Integrity.

If university members have questions about adhering to the principles of research integrity or suspect that research integrity has been violated, it is advisable to turn to the research integrity counsellor. Each faculty of the university has at least one research integrity counsellor who has been appointed by the dean of the faculty.

For examples, who to turn to and how to ask help, read the general instructions for inquiries.

In the University of Tartu, the questions regarding the code of conduct for reseach integrity should be sent to

Kadri Simm (Faculty of Arts and Humanities)
Kairi Kreegipuu (Faculty of Social Sciences)
Andres Soosaar (Faculty of Medicine)
Raul Kangro (Faculty of Science and Technology )

Read the Code of Conduct for Research Integrity

Annexes

Annex I: Glossary

Annex II: Explanations of Values

Annex III: Examples of Cases

Version 27.03.2020

Preface

The aim of the Estonian Code of Conduct for Research Integrity is to support knowledge about, acceptance and entrenchment of research integrity in the Estonian research community. The Code of Conduct for Research Integrity describes the conduct expected from researchers and the responsibility of research institutions in ensuring research integrity, thus contributing to the increase of credibility of research in the eyes of the individual and the public.

The Code of Conduct for Research Integrity is meant to complement the Code of Ethics of Estonian Scientists adopted in 2002. The new document is needed because the development of research has brought forth new themes and perspectives not reflected in the code of ethics, and added new points for consideration. The current document also places greater emphasis on the activities of research institutions, separately pointing out the responsibility of researchers and research institutions, which helps to emphasise that responsibility for ethical research lies with everyone who is active in research. Researchers alone cannot ensure research integrity. So that researchers could behave ethically, the necessary conditions have to be created at the level of the organisation and the system.

The Code of Conduct for Research Integrity has been created as a framework document which provides guidelines to all Estonian research institutions and the researchers working there. The task of the research institution is to elaborate detailed procedural rules which help to increase awareness in the organisation about the principles of research integrity, to monitor the research environment and, if necessary, to interfere and to deal with the cases of misconduct. To ensure as equal treatment of members of different research institutions as possible, research institutions cooperate closely in drafting procedural rules and regulations.

The creation of the document of research integrity was initiated by the Estonian Research Council early in 2016 by forming a work group that included representatives from the Estonian Academy of Sciences, the Ministry of Education and Research and the Estonian Research Council. The Estonian Research Council entrusted the drafting of the text to the Centre for Ethics at University of Tartu, which had earlier already started writing the research integrity document for the University of Tartu; therefore, the two initiatives were united.

The document of research integrity consists of the list of main values of research integrity and principles of action. The chapter on principles of action is divided according to stages of research: planning of research, conduct of research, publishing and application of research results and participation in the research community.

The list of names of people in the work groups can be found in Ethicsweb

Values

The most essential values of research integrity are freedom, responsibility, honesty and objectivity, respect and caring, justice, openness and cooperation. It should be kept in mind that none of these values is absolute – they may come into conflict between one another and, depending on the situation, researchers have to choose which of the conflicting values are more essential in the particular situation. After moral considerations, balance should be found between different values. By setting one of the conflicting values higher in the hierarchy, the protection of the less important value should still be ensured.

1. Freedom means that the researcher

is free to choose the research problem or hypothesis;
is free to search for new research ideas and critically assess the existing ones;
is free to choose the research group, research institution or sources of financing.

2. Responsibility means that the researcher

is responsible for the results and consequences of the research and is aware that his/her work and decisions can influence other people and future generations;
avoids harming people, society and nature, and informs the public about potential threats;
follows all the pertinent rules in research and, in the absence of precise rules, follows the good practice of research;
is aware that his/her conduct serves as a model for the present and future generations of researchers.

3. Honesty and objectivity mean that the researcher

is honest, precise and impartial in all aspects of research activities;
does not forge or fabricate data and does not plagiarise;
interprets both data and research results objectively, not arbitrarily;
acknowledges his/her errors and, if necessary, reassesses his/her earlier work in the light of new research results.

4. Respect and caring mean that the researcher

shows respect to his/her teachers, students, colleagues and cooperation partners and avoids causing unsubstantiated harm to their interests;
respects the dignity, autonomy and privacy of persons involved in research;
is caring to experiment animals, avoids unsubstantiated harm to them and ensures their wellbeing;
respects life and maintains a careful attitude to the environment, biosphere and biodiversity;
honours cultural diversity and maintains a careful attitude to the material and spiritual heritage of humankind.

5. Justice means that the researcher

treats all colleagues and cooperation partners equally; while acknowledging colleagues, the researcher considers their actual contribution to research;
in his/her judgements concerning research, is not influenced by the other person’s gender, age, nationality, race, religion, school, status or other features that are not relevant to the judgement;
is aware of the possible conflicts of interests and gives timely notice of them;
uses the available resources efficiently, sparingly and purposefully;
takes care that the distribution of resources is transparent and everyone has equal opportunities to apply for them.

6. Openness and cooperation mean that the researcher

is open to cooperation with partners;
takes care for the good creative work environment;
strives for transparency in research and shares information about the aims, financing and methods of his/her research, and about the course of analysis;
is open to share ideas, data and research results with others;
assesses critically his/her own and others’ research and is open to substantiated criticism.

Principles of Action

The principles of research integrity concentrate on what researchers or research institutions should do to follow the values of research integrity. At the same time, it should be remembered that the activities of individual researchers and research institutions are influenced by many other institutions (e.g. financers and assessors) and the environment where they operate. Researchers can do research in research groups with many partners from home and abroad who can have different objectives and interests. In research groups, each of their members is responsible for following research integrity. Although the leader of the research group may have greater responsibility for the conduct and coordination of research, this does not diminish the responsibility of other group members.

Research integrity contains principles of different concreteness or generality by which conduct of research should be guided. The more concretely formulated principles are those about which there is greater unanimity among the research community or which are derived from valid laws and international agreements. In the case of more generally worded principles, the researcher and the research institution have more freedom to decide how to best achieve the formulated ideal. It should also be considered that actual life is often more complex and diverse than a document that envisages ideals can describe. In the case of conflicts between principles and novel situations not covered by the research integrity document, researchers and research institutions have leeway to make the best possible choice in a complicated situation.

The principles of research integrity give instructions how to make choices in research so that they would not harm the reliability of the researcher, the research institution or research as a whole. In such situations, it may be difficult to give a clear and unambiguous assessment of the ethicality of actions and choices. It is essential that all choices would be well-weighed, substantiated and based on the values of research integrity.

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Code of Conduct for Research Integrity