About

A Global Code of Conduct for Research during Pandemics

Research ethics and integrity challenges during pandemics are not unique, but they are vastly magnified during crises. The Prepared Code:

  • Adheres to the Declaration of Helsinki for research ethics during pandemics.
  • Provides support across all research disciplines.
  • Presents concise statements in clear language to encourage access.
  • Combines guidance in research ethics and integrity.
  • Complements the TRUST Code and the European Code of Conduct for Research Integrity.
  • Links each guidance article to the values of fairness, respect, care and honesty.

About the Code

The PREPARED Code for researchers, research ethics committees and research integrity offices applies throughout a pandemic. The code was developed by an international consortium and is based on research undertaken in English, Chinese, French, German, Hindi, Japanese, Korean, Russian and Spanish. It was refined through a human rights analysis and extensive consultation with stakeholders. Input from marginalized populations was obtained at every stage. A book about the Code development is available from Springer.

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Translations

The PREPARED Code was developed by 55 authors from all continents. Additionally, it has been translated in Greek, Chinese, Finnish, French, German, Italian, Korean, Lithuanian, Portuguese, Spanish and Swahili.

Marrying Ethics and Integrity

The PREPARED Code integrates research ethics and integrity. In this video, Dr João Monteiro, Chief Editor at Nature Medicine, explains why this is important.

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