Code of Ethics
Research at SPSU is expected to be designed and carried out in a way that ensures high standards of
quality & integrity by researchers & research groups. Further, all research should strive to contribute
to the enhancement of knowledge and understanding. Poorly designed/conducted research wastes
resources and could even lead to flawed conclusions with the potential to cause harm. To minimize
such possibilities, the SPSU Code of Ethics for Research has been developed on the foundations of
four key elements:
Integrity
Research at SPSU shall conform to the highest standards of integrity. This includes, but is not
limited to, conformance to the law of the land, meeting IPR requirements and eschewing
plagiarism in all research taken up at SPSU. Our researchers shall conduct research in a
manner consistent with the needs of honest, open enquiry. Researchers shall clearly
communicate their findings accurately without suppressing disconfirming findings, besides
separating findings from opinions and ideas. Further, ideas used in research will be duly
acknowledged and publication credit given as appropriate. Thus, all research at SPSU shall
eschew piracy of research findings besides ensuring that plagiarism is avoided. Researchers
at SPSU will also make all efforts to avoid conflict of interests in their research and where
unavoidable, steps will be taken to safeguard interests of stake holders.
Respect for all stakeholders including those participating in research
All research at SPSU will be carried out in a manner consistent with the highest standards of
environmental responsibility and concern for all life. This requires that all research at SPSU
built on respect for the rights of society as a key stakeholder as well as concern for the well-
being of research participants & experimental animals. Concern for environment will be
demonstrated through a conscious effort to minimize polluting land, water or atmosphere
on account of research carried out. All research must be carried out through use of
environmentally responsible practices. Researchers will follow a systematic methodology to
identify, manage, reduce and dispose-off environmentally hazardous/toxic substances and
waste in a safe manner. Where possible, environmentally hazardous/toxic material shall be
recycled to minimize consumption of such material and possibility of harm caused. Where
material used or waste produced is non-hazardous/non-toxic, researchers will systematically
identify, manage, reduce & recycle the material. In cases where recycling is not possible, the
waste will be dispose-off in an environmentally safe manner. Respect for rights of society as
a key stakeholder & well-being of research participants shall include respect to their privacy,
confidentiality, self-determination and autonomy. Research that involves use of animals or
genetic material from microbes, plants and animals shall be carried out as per the
regulations and guidelines of regulatory authorities in the country. SPSU requires that
meticulous records be maintained for all such research so that management/authorities can
examine these and find improved ways of conducting research. Further, all research shall be
consistent with the law of the land. The research process at SPSU is cognizant of diverse
populations and allows for the protection of vulnerable groups. Respect for privacy shall
include being sensitive to the personal as well as culturally defined private space of stake
holders and research participants so as to avoid infringing upon the same. Further, the
research would focus on collecting only such data/information that is germane to the
purpose of research undertaken and protecting their confidentiality after the data is
collected.
Responsibility
Researchers at SPSU shall be aware of their professional responsibilities while undertaking
research and shall avoid harming stakeholders and research participants. These professional
responsibilities shall include: (a) sensitivity to the current problems of society when framing
research objectives and questions; (b) sensitivity to the need to protect dignity & well-
being of research participants at all times; (c) avoid engaging in research that impacts the
research participants personality or their mental/physical well-being; and (d) report results
on vulnerable groups with great care to minimize misuse or misinterpretation of research
findings.
Competence
All researchers at SPSU shall strive to ensure and maintain high standards of competence in
their work with limitations of expertise and competence being recognized clearly where
relevant. Faculty at SPSU shall, therefore, only engage in research that they are qualified to
take up. In cases where such qualification is lacking or found insufficient, guidance of experts
will be formally sought and research carried out under such guidance. Further, faculty &
researchers at SPSU shall strive to upgrade themselves continuously so that their research
takes up contemporary issues and challenges faced by society. This Code will be reviewed
periodically to ensure its continued relevance & effectiveness in ensuring that research at
SPSU conforms to the highest standards of rigour, integrity & excellence and strengthened
further where required.