Research ethics

Considered broadly, an ethical approach to research overlaps with standard rules of academic practice and integrity: ensuring one's work is original and well-evidenced; respecting intellectual property and copyright; and declaring conflicts of interest and funding sources. More specifically, "research ethics" refers to the narrower field of considering the research's legal framework as well as the risks that could arise from it, such as risks to individuals (participants and researchers), communities but also animals, heritage, and the natural world. In the case of human subjects, research ethics focuses first and foremost on safeguarding their well-being and privacy and on making sure that they are able to give informed consent to the research process and to the collection, storage, and use of personal data. A conscientious researcher will regard official procedures, such as those mentioned above, as a starting point only and adopt a more holistic and continuous approach to research ethics in every aspect of their work.