Ethical standards in research

The University of Geneva defines its ethical framework around 4 axes[1]

1. The search for truth
2. Freedom of teaching and research
3. Commitment and responsibility
   “The utmost attention is given to individuals who are the subject of research in the social and life sciences in order to preserve their independence and personal integrity and to ensure they are safeguarded against the disclosure of data that could harm them. Research based on experiments involving living beings is conducted in strict accordance with the specific ethical principles that guide its use.”
   
4. Respect for the individual
   “The Institutions of Higher Education promote the principle of equal opportunity. They prohibit any discrimination based on, among other things, sex, ethnic or social origin, genetic characteristics, religious beliefs, political opinions, membership in a national minority, disability, age, sexual orientation or gender identity, both in fulfilling the tasks of teaching and research …”

The Chinese political system is not supportive of these values, with the possibility of breaches of this code of conduct by the partner, who is often not aware of these requirements. Most of the time, the Swiss side is not aware of potential breaches of ethical standards coming from the partner’s side. It is the responsibility of the Swiss partner to inquire proactively about possible breaches of academic integrity.

In any case, it is strictly prohibited to exploit weaker regulation contexts in foreign countries to conduct research that could not take place in Switzerland due to stricter regulations and ethical rules.

UNIGE researchers can find further information on ethical standards and procedures that are applying in the following websites:

https://www.unige.ch/recherche/fr/policies/

https://www.unige.ch/commissionethique/liens/