Ethical codes of conduct:
Ethical codes of conduct play a crucial role in guiding multi and interdisciplinary research to ensure integrity, transparency, and responsible practices. Here are key elements that should be encompassed in the ethical code of conduct for research at Dr. Ambedkar College, Nagpur:
- Integrity and Professionalism: Researchers should uphold the highest standards of integrity and professionalism in all aspects of their work. This includes honesty, fairness, and transparency in data collection, analysis, and reporting.
- Respect for Participants and Collaboration: Researchers should respect the rights, autonomy, and well-being of all participants involved in the research. In interdisciplinary research, collaboration should be based on mutual respect, open communication, and the recognition of diverse expertise and perspectives.
- Informed Consent and Confidentiality: Researchers must obtain informed consent from participants, ensuring that they are fully aware of the nature, purpose, and potential risks or benefits of the research. Confidentiality of participants' personal information should be maintained, with data anonymization and secure storage.
- Research Design and Methodology: Researchers should carefully design their studies, ensuring rigorous methodologies appropriate for the research objectives. Methodological choices should be justified, and efforts should be made to minimize bias and increase reliability and validity.
- Ethical Review and Compliance: Research involving human subjects, animals, or sensitive data should undergo ethical review and obtain necessary approvals from relevant institutional or regulatory bodies. Researchers must comply with applicable laws, regulations, and ethical guidelines.
- Data Management and Integrity: Researchers should handle research data with care, ensuring accurate collection, storage, and analysis. Data sharing, when appropriate, should be done ethically, respecting privacy and intellectual property rights.
- Publication and Authorship: Researchers should adhere to principles of responsible authorship and publication. All contributors should be appropriately acknowledged, and conflicts of interest should be disclosed. Plagiarism and any form of scientific misconduct should be strictly avoided.
- Cultural Sensitivity and Responsible Engagement: In interdisciplinary research involving different cultures, researchers should demonstrate cultural sensitivity, respect local knowledge systems, and engage with communities in a responsible and mutually beneficial manner.
- Ethical Considerations in Funding and Collaboration: Researchers should be transparent about funding sources and potential conflicts of interest. Collaborations with industry or other stakeholders should maintain ethical standards, independence, and protection of research integrity.
- Continuous Learning and Professional Development: Researchers should engage in ongoing learning, keeping abreast of ethical developments, and participating in professional development activities to enhance their understanding of ethical considerations in multi and interdisciplinary research.
Dr. Ambedkar College, Nagpur provides clear guidelines, promote ethical awareness, and establish mechanisms for addressing ethical concerns in research through its Research Cell. Research cell also engages in organising regular training programs, performs the task of the ethical review committees, and conducts open discussions so as to contribute to a culture of ethical conduct in multi and interdisciplinary research activities of the college
