September 2002

Introduction to the work of SCRES on Standards for Ethics and Responsibility in Science Following discussion at the World Conference on Science in Budapest in 1999, the Executive Board of ICSU asked its Standing Committee on Responsibility and Ethics in Science (SCRES) to carry out an analysis of ethical standards from various sources across the World, with the aim of identifying areas of commonality. After consultation with ICSU members and other organisations with an interest in this area, SCRES identified a sample of 115 different ethical codes. This is by no means an exhaustive or even entirely representative sample of all existing guidelines. However it is an interesting cross-section the various types of guideline that are being produced internationally for scientists. The classification and qualitative analysis of these guidelines (background doc 1) and the quantitative presentation of the data in chart form (background doc 2) were first carried out. An empirical analysis of the form and content of the guidelines was then performed and the final report (doc. 3) endorsed by SCRES at its meeting in Rio de Janeiro on 20th September 2002. The report was subsequently presented at the General Assembly of ICSU the following week. Given the sample limitations, it would be inappropriate to draw definitive conclusions from this study, but is nevertheless hoped that this report from SCRES, together with the background documents will give some useful insights into the development of ethical guidelines in the international arena. It should provide a reference point for further enquiries and discussion within the ICSU family and beyond.

• Final report of SCRES: “Standards for Ethics and Responsibility in Science – an Empirical Study
• Background document 2: Quantitative presentation of data in Ethical standards
• Background document 1