Research ethics forms the foundation for
responsible scientific conduct, offering a comprehensive framework to ensure
that research is conducted with the utmost integrity, accountability, and
respect for all involved. These ethical principles not only guide individual
researchers but also uphold the credibility and reliability of the scientific
community as a whole. Researchers must adhere to these standards to maintain
public trust, ensure the validity of their findings, and contribute positively
to the advancement of knowledge. The following is an expanded summary of core
ethical principles in research:
·
Honesty:
Researchers must present data, results, methodologies, and publication status
with absolute transparency and accuracy. The deliberate fabrication,
falsification, or misrepresentation of any aspect of research is strictly
prohibited. The credibility of scientific inquiry is rooted in the faithful
reporting of both positive and negative results, without manipulation to suit personal
or external agendas.
·
Objectivity:
Strive for impartiality in every phase of research, from experimental design to
data analysis, interpretation, and dissemination of findings. Researchers must
take active steps to minimize personal, financial, and ideological biases,
particularly in sensitive areas such as peer review, personnel selection, grant
applications, and expert testimony. Objectivity ensures that the pursuit of
knowledge is not compromised by subjective interests.
·
Integrity:
Maintain a consistent alignment between your words and actions. Researchers are
expected to act in good faith, uphold their commitments, and demonstrate
unwavering honesty in all dealings. The pursuit of scientific knowledge demands
integrity in the handling of data, collaborations, and interactions with both
the scientific community and the public.
·
Carefulness:
Exercising extreme diligence is critical in the research process. Researchers
must avoid carelessness and negligence by thoroughly reviewing experimental
procedures, data collection methods, and the work of their peers. Rigorous
attention to detail minimizes the risk of error and ensures the reproducibility
of results. Additionally, researchers must maintain comprehensive records of
all research activities to facilitate transparency and accountability.
·
Openness:
The advancement of science depends on the open exchange of ideas, data, and
resources. Researchers must actively share their findings, methodologies, and
tools with the scientific community, contributing to collaborative progress.
Furthermore, openness extends to accepting constructive criticism and engaging
with novel ideas, even when they challenge prevailing assumptions.
·
Respect for
Intellectual Property:
Researchers must honor the
intellectual property rights of others, including patents, copyrights, and
trade secrets. Unauthorized use of unpublished data, methods, or results is a
violation of ethical standards. Proper attribution must always be given to the
original sources of ideas, data, and publications. Plagiarism, in any form, is
unacceptable and undermines the integrity of scientific work.
·
Confidentiality:
Researchers are entrusted with sensitive information, ranging from unpublished
manuscripts and grant proposals to personal data and proprietary information.
It is the ethical responsibility of the researcher to safeguard such
confidential communications. This includes respecting the confidentiality of
peer review processes, personnel records, and any classified or proprietary
research that could impact national security or private industry.
·
Responsible
Publication:
The purpose of publication
should be the dissemination of knowledge and the advancement of research, not
personal career advancement. Researchers must avoid redundant or salami-slicing
publications, where data is inappropriately divided into multiple papers to
inflate the number of publications. Ethical researchers strive to publish
meaningful, original contributions to the body of knowledge, avoiding
unnecessary duplication or waste of resources.
·
Responsible
Mentoring:
Researchers, particularly
those in positions of authority, have a moral duty to guide, mentor, and
support the development of students and junior researchers. This responsibility
extends beyond the technical aspects of research to include fostering ethical
awareness, critical thinking, and independence in their mentees. Mentors must
prioritize the well-being and professional growth of their students, enabling
them to make informed decisions and pursue successful careers.
·
Respect for
Colleagues:
Collegiality and mutual
respect are essential in any professional research environment. Researchers
must engage with their peers fairly, treating them with dignity and
professionalism regardless of personal disagreements or competition. Constructive
collaboration and respectful communication are key to fostering a healthy and
productive scientific community.
·
Social
Responsibility:
The broader impact of research
on society must be carefully considered. Researchers have a responsibility to
promote the public good and mitigate potential harm through their work. This
includes ensuring that research benefits society, engages with ethical concerns
related to public health, safety, and the environment, and promotes social
justice through public education and advocacy.
·
Non-Discrimination:
It is imperative that researchers avoid any form of discrimination in the
treatment of colleagues, students, or research participants. Decisions must be
based solely on scientific competence, ethical conduct, and merit, rather than
on factors such as race, gender, ethnicity, religion, or other irrelevant
characteristics. A diverse and inclusive scientific community enhances the
richness and depth of research.
·
Competence:
Researchers are expected to maintain the highest levels of professional
competence and continually seek opportunities for growth and development. This
includes staying informed of the latest developments in their field, engaging
in ongoing education, and committing to lifelong learning. Promoting competence
within the scientific community ensures that research is conducted by qualified
individuals who are equipped to contribute meaningfully to their discipline.
·
Legality:
Researchers must be fully aware of and adhere to all applicable laws, regulations,
and institutional policies governing their work. Compliance with legal
standards, including those related to data protection, intellectual property,
and human and animal research, is essential to maintaining the legitimacy of
scientific research. Ignorance of the law is not an excuse for unethical or
illegal practices.
·
Animal Care:
Researchers using animals in
research must ensure that their work adheres to the highest ethical standards
of animal welfare. Unnecessary suffering must be avoided, and experiments
involving animals must be designed with care to minimize harm and maximize the
scientific value of the research. Poorly designed or unnecessary animal studies
are not only unethical but also undermine the validity of the scientific
outcomes.
·
Human Subjects
Protection:
The protection of human
subjects is paramount in any research involving human participants. Researchers
must prioritize minimizing harm, respecting the dignity and autonomy of
participants, and ensuring that any risks are justified by potential benefits.
Informed consent must be obtained, and participants’ privacy and
confidentiality must be safeguarded. Research involving vulnerable populations
requires additional ethical consideration to ensure their rights are protected.
“Pajoohes BAMA” Co. has started its activities since 2017 as a research-oriented company. The activities of this group are in the fields of nanotechnology, medical nanotechnology, engineering and basic sciences. Among the products prepared in this company: various types of metal, non-metal nanoparticles, composite, shell-core in powder and colloidal form, types of mineral nanofibers, polymeric, composite, shell-core, hybrid and hollow and quantum dot carbon. Also, conducting research consultations to researchers and graduate students (master and PhD), holding specialized workshops have been other activities of this group.
One of the major goals of this collection is to achieve practical products in the fields of medicine (preparation of nanodrugs from plant compounds, healing and reconstruction of damaged tissues) and the environment (design of sensors and absorbers of toxic pollutants) that which some of the research areas of this collection so far that have resulted in the production of the final product are as follows:
• Conducting basic-applied research in the field of stabilization and stabilization of biomolecules (proteins, antibodies, DNA, RNA and pharmaceutical compounds),
• Conducting basic-applied research in the field of using medicinal plants in the preparation of various nanodrugs, wound dressings and nano-antibiotics,
• Conducting basic-applied research in the field of industrial wastewater treatment,
• Synthesis of nanodrugs and medical products based on nanotechnology,
• Synthesis of nanoparticles and nanofibers for use in various industries.
Pajoohesh BAMA Co., No. 12, Yas building, Central 20th Alley, South Sazeman Barnameh St., Ferdows Blvd, Tehran, Iran
All rights reserved belong to the team “Pajoohesh BAMA”.