Code of Best Practice in the Conduct of Scientific Research

Diamond Light Source ("Diamond") expects that all employees, together with any approved user of its facilities (including students and visitors), will observe the highest standards in the conduct of their research.

In pursuance of such high standards, it is expected that employees and users shall:

(a) Take steps to acquaint themselves with available guidance as to `best practice' in relation to matters of research policy, finance and safety relevant to their area of research (for example, Section 2 of "UKRI Policy and Guidelines on Governance of Good Research Conduct" published by UKRI and the good research practice guidelines published by the Wellcome Trust). 

(b) Observe such legal and ethical requirements as are laid down by Diamond or such other properly appointed bodies as are involved in their field of research;

(c) Remain objective and ensure that the conclusions are the most likely result of the evidence regardless of the desired outcome;

(d) Take steps to ensure the safety of those associated with the research and its vicinity;

(e) Report any conflict of interest, whether actual or prospective, to the appropriate authority;

(f) Observe fairness, equality of opportunity and equity in the conduct of their research.

Scientific misconduct

Scientific misconduct means fabrication, falsification, plagiarism or deception in proposing, carrying out or reporting results of research and deliberate, dangerous or negligent deviations from accepted practice in carrying out research. It does not include honest error or honest differences in the design, execution, interpretation or judgement in evaluating research methods or results.

Failure to comply with the code may give rise to an allegation of misconduct.

For a Diamond employee misconduct in research may be grounds for disciplinary action as detailed in the Employee Handbook.

In cases of misconduct in research by an approved user, Diamond reserves the right to take any action it deems appropriate, including bringing their misconduct to the attention of the appropriate authorities (including the user's employer). Diamond may also bar the particular user(s) from use of the facility.

Any cases of scientific misconduct should be raised with the relevant Director or CEO as soon as possible.

This Code of Conduct will be updated and reviewed by the Executive Committee on a regular basis.