MASS GENERAL BRIGHAM RESEARCH CODE OF CONDUCT & ETHICAL STANDARDS
The Mass General Brigham Research Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards (Research Code) was developed to provide Principal Investigators (PI) and researchers with an understanding of institutional research expectations. While there may be differences in how research is organized, conducted, and reported across fields and disciplines, all individuals engaged in research are expected to conduct their affairs in accordance with the highest ethical and legal standards. Adherence to the Research Code by employees and nonemployees is required for continued participation in a Mass General Brigham research project. It is also a condition of employment and medical staff appointment.
The Research Code addresses topics such as scientific integrity and accountability, financial stewardship, research regulations and policies, staff and fellow supervision and mentoring, research methods, research data, authorship standards, laboratory safety, and treatment of animal and human subjects. Many of these subjects are addressed in the two PI Education Series modules already in place, Research Misconduct Prevention and Financial Stewardship of Grants and Contracts. The Research Code also reiterates the duty of all researchers, whether employees or nonemployees, to report any internal problem that violates its standards to hospital or Mass General Brigham Research Compliance and research misconduct allegations to their institutional Research Integrity Officer (RIO).
PIs and research staff are expected to review and electronically attest to the Research Code annually.