Museum ethics: ICOM Code of Ethics for Natural History Museums
ICOM (the UNESCO International Council of Museums) has published a Code of Ethics for Natural History Museums, providing guidance to supplement the ICOM Code of Ethics for Museums.
Themes
@nhm_science
ethics
Science Policy international: Global Research Council
Interesting post on the Nature News Blog on the first meeting of a Global Science Council - what it may become is unclear, but discussion of merit [peer] review. A number of principles were identified, as follows:
- Expert Assessment -- Collectively, reviewers should have the appropriate knowledge and expertise to assess the proposal both at the level of the broad context of the research field(s) to which it contributes and with respect to the specific objectives and methodology. Reviewers should be selected according to clear criteria.
- Transparency -- Decisions must be based on clearly described rules, procedures and evaluation criteria that are published a priori. Applicants should receive appropriate feedback on the evaluation of their proposal.
- Impartiality -- Proposals must be assessed fairly and on their merit. Conflicts of interest must be declared and managed according to defined, published processes.
- Appropriateness -- The review process should be consistent with the nature of the call, with the research area addressed, and in proportion to the investment and complexity of the work.
- Confidentiality -- All proposals, including related data, intellectual property and other documents, must be treated in confidence by reviewers and organizations involved in the review process.
- Integrity and Ethical Consideration -- Ethics and integrity are paramount to the review process
Science Policy UK: Bioethics and tissue donation
The Nuffield Council on Bioethics has produced a report on Human Bodies: Donation for Medicine and Research. Deals with body and tissue donation, setting out a range of ethical issues and options.
Museum Ethics USA: Future of Museum Ethics
The American Association of Museums' Centre for the Future of Museums has just launched a project on forcasting the future of museum ethics with the Institute for Museum Ethics.Good blog post on some of the issues.
Science policy UK: peer review and research integrity
The UK parliament's House of Commons Committee on Science and Technology has published a report of its inquiry on Peer Review in Scientific Publications, with conclusions and recommendations. /... more
.../The Committee examines the current approach, reminding publishers, funders and scientists of the principles involved and urging caution on use of impact factors. Recommendations on better coordination and innovation, training for peer review, open access to data and other issues. The report looks at developments in virtual pre- and post-publication commentary and review.
A key conclusion is that there is insufficient oversight of research integrity in the UK: the recommendation is for a government body for regulation and key responsible individuals for each research employer (it is emphasised that the responsibility for ensuring integrity lies significantly with the employer).
This recommendation picks up on the late 2010 report from the UK Research Integrity Futures Group, formed by Research Councils UK (RCUK), Universities UK (UUK) and the UK Department of Health (DH), in association with the UK Higher Education Funding Councils (HEFCs), the Wellcome Trust, the Association of Medical Research Charities (AMRC) and the Association of British Pharmaceutical Industries (ABPI). Some concern that the UK Research Integrity Office is not being funded beyond its current term.
Museum Ethics: disposal, access and use
Useful article by Mark Fisher in the Art Newspaper on issues surrounding disposal and public benefit - stimulated by the recent Farrer seminar. A focus on art collections, but the principles and issues are relevant to natural history and library collections as well.
Biodiversity policy: UNESCO executive board session 186
The UNESCO executive board has agreed to develop an integrated approach to biodiversity across its various programmes: should be agreed in the autumn of 2011, but a short summary of the recent decision on the IISD website. Interestingly, UNESCO also agreed to develop a statement of principles for climate change ethics - there are other initiatives on biodiversity and environmental ethics that will also be worth watching. Previous attempts such as the Earth Charter have made some progress but not widespread acceptance in policy.
Museum Ethics: NY guidelines on deaccession
Useful summary and resources on developments in deaccessioning for some New York museums in the current difficult financial climate.
Science Policy USA: Scientific integrity guidance from the Department of the Interior
Following statements from OSTP, different agencies are developing their approach to scientific integrity. Dept of Interior guidelines are published.
Museum policy: display of human remains
Interesting short opinion piece in New Scientist on the ethics of display and possession of human remains by Soren Holm.
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