ICPSR Code of Professional Conduct

ICPSR is committed to fostering a safe and productive environment for all staff and users, ensuring it is free from harassment and discrimination.

Members of ICPSR’s research community are expected to uphold high standards of conduct, including:

  1. Respectful Interaction: Interacting with civility and respect towards colleagues, collaborators, and all individuals encountered during work.
  2. Scientific Integrity: Adhering rigorously to standards of scientific integrity in all research activities, including data collection, analysis, and dissemination, and ensuring adherence to all active data use agreements.
  3. Professional Ethics: Abiding by professional ethics and norms relevant to their field of study and research practice and upholding the protection of data subjects, especially those in vulnerable populations.

By upholding these principles, ICPSR aims to maintain an inclusive and supportive environment conducive to excellence in research and scholarship.

Users who violate the Code of Professional Conduct may be subject to the following at the discretion of ICPSR:

  1. Warning and Training: Users may receive a formal warning and/or be required to attend training sessions on professional conduct.
  2. Suspension of Access: ICPSR may temporarily or permanently suspend access to our resources and services. During this time, the user will be prohibited from using ICPSR facilities or participating in ICPSR-related activities.
  3. Termination of ICPSR Services: ICPSR may terminate the user’s privileges, permanently barring access to ICPSR resources.
  4. Termination of ICPSR Services for User’s Institution: ICPSR may revoke access to resources for an entire institution.
  5. Reporting to Authorities: In cases involving illegal activities or serious breaches of ethical standards, ICPSR is obligated to report individuals to relevant authorities or institutions, which may lead to legal consequences or professional sanctions. In some cases, ICPSR is required to report incidents to project sponsors.

These repercussions ensure accountability and a safe and respectful environment within ICPSR, promoting integrity and professionalism among its research community members.