Codex Ethicus

It is important that those who work in or for a research council observe rules of ethics in their work. Members of the Research Council whose task it is to distribute public funds for research have particular duties, and trust in the Council is based on the fact that all those who participate in the Council’s work act in such a manner that trust in them is maintained both during and after the mandate period. Specific demands are placed on research councils to be impartial and correct in treating and prioritising applications. The Research Council also lays down research policy prioritisations.

It is for this reason that Formas has produced a Codex Ethicus. The rules are intended to serve as guidance to everyone involved in the Research Council’s activities: members of the Scientific Council, members of the evaluation panels, specialist groups and reference groups as well as employees of the authority.

Issues that concern impartiality and correct treatment of applications, conflicts of interests, prioritisations, accounts of argumentation, sizes of research grants, etc. are related to morality. The basis for assessment, for example in terms of employment and applications that are assessed within the Research Council, should be such that the principles regarding conflicts of interest and scientific standpoints are clearly set out. A prioritisation group’s morality is, thus, about what it does and does not do. No shadow of a doubt regarding unfair treatment of applications or employment appointments may be allowed to fall over the Research Council.

Formas has therefore decided that members and specialists shall be made familiar with the rules and legislation that concern research ethical issues and issues concerning conflicts of interest, assessments of conflicts of interest, etc. Formas has also decided that panel members, chairmen and vice chairmen may not apply for funds in their own panels.

It is not possible to anticipate every individual situation and all issues that may arise in terms of assessment and distribution of posts, grants and other issues. It is, thus, necessary for members of evaluation panels and specialists in the Research Council to discuss problems and find support in certain common and relatively general guidelines. Anyone affected must assess her/his own actions and activity.