Standards of Conduct for Scientists at Gunma University
April 1, 2007

By Presidential Arbitration

In order to expand our multidisciplinary and integrated perspective on the 21stcentury and make a significant response to the diversified needs on a global scale, Gunma
University aspires to create new knowledge in accordance with the demands of the times andcommunity by developing original scientific research as well as attempting to establish a fusion
between fundamental science and practical research. For these reasons, as science professionals
involved in pursuing abstract scientific principles and their applications, all scientists engaged inscientific research activities in Gunma University must assume the responsibility to act withintegrity and in good faith in order to maintain the confidence bestowed upon them by thecommunity. Through sound growth, and in order for science to be able to contribute to therealization of a truly abundant human community, our scientists must carry out their work by
establishing ethical standards that allow their personal professional activities to be accurately
judged with total accountability to this community. Gunma University hereby institutes thefollowing code of conduct from the perspective of this fundamental awareness, and based upon
the autonomy of the individual scientists who are attached to our university.

1.

Scientists must maintain constant efforts to continue to elevate the quality of professional
knowledge and technology that they produce. Through applications of the results they
achieve, scientists can shoulder the responsibility of contributing to the welfare of mankind
and the growth of the community.

2.

Scientists must be aware that on the basis of the trust and mandate of their community
they are able to enjoy the benefits of pursuing truth through their own professionaljudgments under the auspices of academic freedom, and they must always make their
judgments and carry out their work with integrity. Also, they must strive to objectively
and scientifically substantiate the validity of the knowledge that they generate throughscientific research, and to actively participate in mutual assessments of their fellow
scientists in their specialized field.

3.

When scientists form their plans, create their designs, consider all possible applications,carry out the implementation and prepare the reports of their own research projects, theymust conduct their activities with integrity and in strict adherence with the spirit of thesestandards of conduct. In order for the community and fellow scientists to be able to carryout their mutual appraisal and criticism, scientists must bear the burden of responsibility for
maintaining the transparency of scientific premises, not to mention the prevention of any
fabrication, falsification, or plagiarism in their research data. Furthermore, they must
undertake the task of firmly and positively confirming the equitability of the research
environment in order to make it possible to conduct responsible research and prevent any
fraudulent activity in the execution of research.

4.

Scientists must adhere strictly to the legal imperatives and related regulations regarding theimplementation of their research and the utilization of research funding.

5.

With regard to their own judgments and activities, scientists must always pay heed to any
conflicts of interest that might arise between individuals and organizations or between
differing organizations, and appropriately respond to them with an emphasis on the public
interest. Furthermore, they must justly appraise the accomplishments of others, and adhere
strictly to the protection of honor and intellectual property rights of others.