{"id":15152,"date":"2026-06-28T23:47:16","date_gmt":"2026-06-28T20:47:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/uotelafer.edu.iq\/?page_id=15152"},"modified":"2026-06-28T23:48:37","modified_gmt":"2026-06-28T20:48:37","slug":"guide-for-ethics-of-scientific-research","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/uotelafer.edu.iq\/en\/guide-for-ethics-of-scientific-research","title":{"rendered":"Guide for Ethics of Scientific Research"},"content":{"rendered":"

Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n

Our university is in need of establishing and promoting standards of conduct and ethics in scientific research, as well as determining appropriate penalties in cases where misconduct deserves disciplinary action. It is also essential to disseminate ethical standards throughout all stages of education and to publicize them effectively.<\/p>\n

We are aware that scientific research today involves scholars from different countries and produces outcomes of global significance. Therefore, it is imperative to address research ethics at the international level. International standards of scientific conduct are needed while taking into consideration the significant differences among nations. Such standards undoubtedly assist in examining and resolving cases of scientific misconduct and ethical issues of an international nature.<\/p>\n

A notable example is the competition to isolate the AIDS virus (AIDS) and the dispute concerning priority claims between French and American scientists. Another example involves challenges related to the protection of intellectual property rights at the international level. These examples clearly demonstrate the necessity of establishing international committees concerned with research ethics.<\/p>\n

Research ethics has become a topic of major importance as ethical principles, originating from philosophy, provide guidance in making decisions regarding complex scientific situations. Scientific research increasingly intersects with personal interests, national security concerns, the sanctity of life, human rights, and human dignity. The responsibility for maintaining research ethics rests upon all participants in the research process, including faculty members, colleges, research centers, scientific journals, editorial boards, and organizations that fund research activities.<\/p>\n

Nature of Scientific Research<\/strong><\/p>\n

Scientific research is defined as a systematic scholarly effort undertaken to reach scientific truth, serve humanity, deepen knowledge in a particular subject, and seek factual understanding. It is a human endeavor that begins with a theory and employs scientific methods to support, refine, or modify that theory.<\/p>\n

Research encompasses all medical, scientific, and natural studies. For example, all research involving human subjects should adhere to three fundamental ethical principles:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Respect for persons.<\/li>\n
  2. Beneficence.<\/li>\n
  3. Justice.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Research should contribute to expanding health-related knowledge and improving care. The anticipated benefits of research must outweigh the potential risks or harms. Furthermore, research methods must comply with ethical principles, and a noble objective should never justify unethical means.<\/p>\n

    Research ethics begins with the ethical conduct of university professors toward their colleagues, profession, and students, and extends to all stages of scientific inquiry, including topic selection, methodology, data collection, analysis, interpretation of results, and publication.<\/p>\n

    What Are Research Ethics?<\/strong><\/p>\n

    The involvement of scientific research in matters concerning human life, rights, and dignity, along with potentially hazardous experiments on humans and animals, environmental impacts, developments in biological sciences, chemistry, genetic engineering, and the open information environment, as well as the substantial budgets allocated to scientific research, has made research ethics indispensable.<\/p>\n

    Research ethics requires respect for the rights, opinions, and dignity of others, whether they are fellow researchers, research participants, or beneficiaries of research outcomes.<\/p>\n

    Research ethics is generally founded upon two core values:<\/p>\n

      \n
    • Doing Good (Beneficence)<\/li>\n
    • Avoiding Harm (Non-Maleficence)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      These two values should serve as the foundation of ethical considerations throughout the research process.<\/p>\n

      Levels of Scientific Research<\/strong><\/p>\n

        \n
      1. Undergraduate Research (Term Paper)<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        Research conducted at the bachelor’s degree level is commonly referred to as a Term Paper<\/strong>. Its purpose is to enable students to study a specific topic in depth rather than generate entirely new knowledge. It trains students in the use of printed and non-printed information sources, analysis of information, and drawing conclusions. Such research typically ranges from 20 to 40 pages.<\/p>\n

          \n
        1. Master’s Thesis<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

          A Master’s Thesis is a relatively extensive research project that contributes new knowledge within a specialized field of study.<\/p>\n

            \n
          1. Doctoral Dissertation<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

            A Doctoral Dissertation is a comprehensive and integrated research work required for obtaining a doctoral degree. It must be original, innovative, and make a significant contribution to scientific knowledge.<\/p>\n

            General Ethical Principles for Researchers<\/strong><\/p>\n

            Researchers should embody the following ethical values and virtues:<\/p>\n

              \n
            • Honesty<\/li>\n
            • Integrity<\/li>\n
            • Justice<\/li>\n
            • Modesty<\/li>\n
            • Generosity<\/li>\n
            • Credibility<\/li>\n
            • Professionalism<\/li>\n
            • Trustworthiness<\/li>\n
            • Accuracy<\/li>\n
            • Responsibility<\/li>\n
            • Scientific Integrity<\/li>\n
            • Cooperation<\/li>\n
            • Confidentiality<\/li>\n
            • Objectivity<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

              Researchers must possess the necessary academic qualifications and demonstrate perseverance and dedication in the pursuit of knowledge. Research should aim at uncovering truth and solving health, engineering, social, economic, or political problems. Research may also take the form of critical interpretation through the application of logic and accumulated ideas.<\/p>\n

              Researchers should:<\/p>\n

                \n
              • Respect competent individuals and protect those lacking autonomy.<\/li>\n
              • Promote good and avoid causing harm.<\/li>\n
              • Maintain scientific honesty by properly acknowledging sources.<\/li>\n
              • Avoid plagiarism and false claims of authorship.<\/li>\n
              • Include only genuine contributors as co-authors.<\/li>\n
              • Report findings accurately without manipulation.<\/li>\n
              • Accept constructive criticism.<\/li>\n
              • Provide accurate descriptions of methodologies, limitations, and confounding factors.<\/li>\n
              • Avoid selfishness and assist fellow researchers.<\/li>\n
              • Practice objectivity and impartiality.<\/li>\n
              • Express gratitude to contributors.<\/li>\n
              • Formulate clear and testable hypotheses.<\/li>\n
              • Use reliable research tools and methods.<\/li>\n
              • Securely record and preserve data.<\/li>\n
              • Critically evaluate theories and ideas.<\/li>\n
              • Avoid self-deception, bias, and unintentional errors.<\/li>\n
              • Employ appropriate statistical methods for data analysis.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                Regulations and Conditions for Conducting Research<\/strong><\/p>\n

                  \n
                1. Researchers must possess sufficient qualifications, expertise, and specialization and must adhere to scientific and methodological principles throughout all stages of research.<\/li>\n
                2. Researchers must respect the rights and dignity of participants and treat them humanely without exploitation.<\/li>\n
                3. In clinical research, studies should be conducted on animals before progressing to human trials whenever applicable.<\/li>\n
                4. Researchers must thoroughly assess potential risks and burdens and compare them with the anticipated benefits.<\/li>\n
                5. Research teams must provide complete and accurate information regarding the nature, objectives, benefits, and risks of the study to the relevant authorities.<\/li>\n
                6. Research teams must adhere to ethical principles such as honesty, transparency, fairness, and integrity.<\/li>\n
                7. The rights of contributors must be preserved, whether in terms of academic acknowledgment or financial compensation.<\/li>\n
                8. Researchers must safeguard participants\u2019 comfort, safety, privacy, physical well-being, and psychological welfare throughout all stages of research.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                  Requirements Concerning Research Participants<\/strong><\/p>\n

                  When research involves human participants, particularly in medical studies:<\/p>\n

                    \n
                  1. Participants must have full legal capacity. If not, consent must be obtained from a legal guardian.<\/li>\n
                  2. Participants must be fully informed about the nature, stages, and objectives of the study.<\/li>\n
                  3. Participants must be informed of expected benefits, potential risks, and possible side effects.<\/li>\n
                  4. Participants must be informed that participation is entirely voluntary and that they may withdraw at any time without affecting their rights to medical care.<\/li>\n
                  5. Financial gain should not be the primary motivation for participation.<\/li>\n
                  6. Complete confidentiality of personal information must be maintained.<\/li>\n
                  7. Participants\u2019 dignity and self-respect must be protected, and deception must be avoided.<\/li>\n
                  8. Researchers must respect research subjects, whether human or animal. Animals should be anesthetized when necessary and treated humanely.<\/li>\n
                  9. Human participants must be protected from injury, disability, death, or severe psychological harm.<\/li>\n
                  10. Research should not be conducted on children if it can be conducted on adults with equivalent outcomes. Similarly, research involving pregnant or breastfeeding women should only be undertaken when absolutely necessary.<\/li>\n
                  11. Ethical medical principles must be observed when conducting research involving prisoners, detainees, or disadvantaged individuals.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                    Rights of Researchers<\/strong><\/p>\n

                    Researchers enjoy full academic freedom during the conduct of their research, including:<\/p>\n

                    First:<\/strong><\/p>\n

                    Freedom to choose research topics and secure funding within the framework of university policies and regulations.<\/p>\n

                    Second:<\/strong><\/p>\n

                    Responsible freedom to access information necessary for their research.<\/p>\n

                    Third:<\/strong><\/p>\n

                    Freedom to publish research findings without requiring approval from funding bodies, provided that publication does not compromise national security or public interests, unless otherwise agreed upon.<\/p>\n

                    University Responsibilities<\/strong><\/p>\n

                    The university is committed to providing a suitable environment for scientific research through:<\/p>\n

                    First:<\/strong><\/p>\n

                    Adopting sound policies, innovative programs, financial support, and incentives to encourage outstanding research and enable distinguished researchers to participate in research activities without discrimination based on religion, race, color, gender, or nationality.<\/p>\n

                    Second:<\/strong><\/p>\n

                    Providing equipment, facilities, and services necessary for research and encouraging researchers to seek additional external funding within applicable regulations.<\/p>\n

                    Third:<\/strong><\/p>\n

                    Implementing transparent and fair procedures for evaluating university-funded research while preserving researchers\u2019 rights to appeal evaluation outcomes.<\/p>\n

                    Ethical Principles Associated with Research Planning<\/strong><\/p>\n

                      \n
                    1. Research proposals should not be exact replicas of previous studies in a manner that raises concerns about scientific integrity. Replication studies are acceptable when properly justified and referenced.<\/li>\n
                    2. Research should not cause actual or potential harm to others.<\/li>\n
                    3. Acceptance of research funding should not be conditioned upon requirements that conflict with scientific research standards. Sponsors should not influence research methods or results.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                      University Faculty Members<\/strong><\/p>\n

                      Ethical Practices of Faculty Members<\/strong><\/p>\n

                        \n
                      1. Direct research toward the benefit of knowledge, society, and humanity.<\/li>\n
                      2. Uphold scientific integrity and claim authorship only for their own ideas and contributions.<\/li>\n
                      3. Clearly define the roles of co-authors and avoid honorary authorship.<\/li>\n
                      4. Avoid altering quoted texts in a way that changes their intended meaning.<\/li>\n
                      5. Ensure that all citations are clear, accurate, and properly referenced.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                        Considerations in Supervising Theses and Dissertations<\/strong><\/p>\n

                          \n
                        1. Provide sincere and honest guidance in selecting research topics.<\/li>\n
                        2. Offer appropriate scientific support without undermining student independence.<\/li>\n
                        3. Encourage students to assume responsibility for their analyses and findings.<\/li>\n
                        4. Continuously reinforce scientific integrity.<\/li>\n
                        5. Train students to make independent judgments and decisions.<\/li>\n
                        6. Foster the qualities of a competent researcher.<\/li>\n
                        7. Avoid any behavior involving intimidation, humiliation, exploitation, or disrespect toward students.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                          Duties of Faculty Members Toward Researchers<\/strong><\/p>\n

                            \n
                          1. Provide guidance and support to students and help overcome research difficulties.<\/li>\n
                          2. Seek assistance from more qualified experts whenever necessary.<\/li>\n
                          3. Faculty members may decline assistance in non-urgent cases for valid reasons, but not in urgent situations.<\/li>\n
                          4. Specialists should not refuse scientific consultation when no alternative expert is available.<\/li>\n
                          5. Confidential information concerning students must not be disclosed except when legally required or necessary to prevent serious harm.<\/li>\n
                          6. Faculty members must not exploit their relationships with students or their families.<\/li>\n
                          7. Suspected cases of scientific misconduct must be reported to the appropriate authorities through detailed written reports.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                            Duties Toward Colleagues<\/strong><\/p>\n

                              \n
                            1. Professional disputes should be resolved amicably. If unresolved, the matter should be referred to the department council and, if necessary, the college council.<\/li>\n
                            2. Faculty members should not engage in unethical competition with colleagues.<\/li>\n
                            3. Faculty members should not undermine colleagues\u2019 professional competence. Constructive criticism should be presented through impartial scientific committees.<\/li>\n
                            4. Violations of this code may result in graduated disciplinary measures depending on the severity and recurrence of the misconduct and may lead to legal accountability.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                              University Employees<\/strong><\/p>\n

                              University employees are required to:<\/p>\n

                                \n
                              1. Perform their duties honestly and faithfully.<\/li>\n
                              2. Protect public property, equipment, supplies, and working time.<\/li>\n
                              3. Comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and policies.<\/li>\n
                              4. Contribute to achieving the vision, mission, and objectives of the university, college, and department.<\/li>\n
                              5. Maintain relationships with colleagues, supervisors, and subordinates based on mutual respect and commitment to the public good.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                                University of Telafer <\/strong>
                                \nDepartment of Scientific Affairs<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                 <\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                                Introduction Our university is in need of establishing and promoting standards of conduct and ethics in scientific research, as well as determining appropriate penalties in cases where misconduct deserves disciplinary action. It is also essential to disseminate ethical standards throughout all stages of education and to publicize them effectively. We are aware that scientific research …<\/p>","protected":false},"author":1154,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-15152","page","type-page","status-publish",""],"acf":[],"lang":"en","translations":{"en":15152},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/uotelafer.edu.iq\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/15152","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/uotelafer.edu.iq\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/uotelafer.edu.iq\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/uotelafer.edu.iq\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1154"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/uotelafer.edu.iq\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=15152"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/uotelafer.edu.iq\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/15152\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":15155,"href":"https:\/\/uotelafer.edu.iq\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/15152\/revisions\/15155"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/uotelafer.edu.iq\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=15152"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}