The chief science advisor, Sir David King, backed a wide-ranging Code of Ethics for scientists at the British Association festival of science today. Professor King wrote about it in this newspaper in March, and hoped it would help bolster public support for science.
Here are the seven commandments as laid down by Sir David:
1. Act with skill and care, keep skills up to date
2. Prevent corrupt practice and declare conflicts of interest
3. Respect and acknowledge the work of other scientists
4. Ensure that research is justified and lawful
5. Minimise impacts on people, animals and the environment
6. Discuss issues science raises for society
7. Do not mislead; present evidence honestly
It's hard to disagree with a code like this, perhaps the only pity being that it wasn't introduced centuries ago when it could have weaved itself into the scientific ethos.
But does such a code, which is voluntary and backed by no official organisation to impose sanctions on those that break it, achieve anything?
