A Global Code of Conduct for Research during Pandemics.

Pandemic research should be trustworthy and the results accessible to all.

The PREPARED Project

The PREPARED project is underscored by the following three pillars

Recognize the broader perspective of a crisis

Global crises affect all aspects of humanity. We therefore cannot ignore human, social, economic and political contexts in our research ethics and integrity framework.

Motivate to action with values

Rules alone do not motivate to action, but values do, which is why we developed a values-based framework for global crises.

Keep values understandable

Clear and simple values are proven to improve the motivation for ethical conduct at work, which is why we aligned our framework with common sense moral values.

The Goal

The overall goal of the PREPARED project is to develop an operational ethics and integrity framework, which safeguards key ethical values, supports a rapid and effective research response to crises and improves overall pandemic preparedness.

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The PREPARED App

for Android and iOS

Ethical Crisis Decision Support

Complements Ethics Training

Real Case Studies

Prepares For Crises

Research-backed Design

Easy Digital Access

Android and iOS

Promotes Responsible Research

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About the App

Our research has shown that training is essential to prepare researchers for the next crisis. The PREPARED App helps navigate dilemmas in global crises.

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Research Ethics and Integrity During Pandemics: Developing the PREPARED Code (Book)

This open-access book is an essential read for anyone interested in pandemic preparedness, research governance, and the ethical oversight of research. It examines the development of a pioneering research ethics framework designed for use during pandemics, guiding readers through the careful development of the PREPARED Code, while highlighting the key steps and lessons learned. In addition, the book:

Gives a free online course about the PREPARED Code available with the book
Presents a free case study app for Android and iPhone available with the book
Introduces new pandemic ethics code, which uniquely combines research ethics and integrity

Featured Articles

Fairness - Article 1

Data and scientific insights about new infectious agents should be quality controlled and shared as swiftly as possible with the scientific community and other relevant stakeholders, and without detrimental impact on the sharer.

Respect - Article 9

The urgent need to conduct research can never be an excuse for putting pressure on potential research participants or their proxies to make a hasty decision about involvement in a study. Sufficient time is needed to achieve genuine informed consent.

Care - Article 15

Especially during pandemics, researchers who handle potentially infectious biological materials should be adequately trained and equipped to safeguard public health.

Honesty - Article 22

Even under significant pressure, it is vital that researchers uphold the highest standards of research integrity to ensure the reliability of pandemic research results and to maintain public trust in science.