Ethics & Equality

Ethical Principles

All scientific staff of the Polish Academy of Sciences (PAS) are bound by the Code of Ethics for Researchers.

Abstract (Code of Ethics for Researchers)

“Science is a collective endeavor that comprises scientific research – understood as the systematic pursuit of knowledge and understanding through the acquisition of information, reflection, observation, and experimentation – as well as the education of new generations of researchers. Irrespective of the distinct methodologies of individual scientific disciplines and the various organizational frameworks in which research and education take place, science can only advance through researchers’ commitment to ethical ideals and values such as respect for human dignity, freedom, equality, integrity, truthfulness, reliability, and the fulfillment of commitments. These ideals and values shape the selection of research topics, the formulation of hypotheses and theories, the collection of data, and the application of research methods. Researchers’ dedication to the ethical ideals and values of science, along with the organizational and institutional solutions built upon those ideals and values, safeguard researchers’ independence from pressures exerted by research funders and ideological, economic, or political interest groups.

Maintaining high standards in science and ensuring a fair assessment of scientific achievements are essential not only for the integrity of science itself but also for its societal credibility and recognition. Ensuring the credibility of scientific activities and their results, and resisting external pressures, fosters public trust in researchers, whose fundamental mission is the pursuit of knowledge and understanding – principles that guide the initiation and conduct of scientific research.”

The Institute has a Committee for Ethics in Science, appointed by the Scientific Council for a term corresponding to that of the Council. The Committee operates under Regulations approved by the Scientific Council. The Committee’s role is to promote standards of integrity and good practice in scientific research and to prepare opinions on matters concerning potential breaches of these standards. Any member of the Institute’s community may approach the Committee regarding issues related to scientific ethics in the broad sense. For scientific staff, issues concerning the (co-)authorship of scholarly works (including publications) and matters of research integrity, particularly plagiarism, are addressed by the Committee for Ethics in Science.

As part of their training, doctoral students complete a course in Ethics covering four main areas: the philosophical foundations of ethics, the role of ethics in the communication of scientific knowledge, ethical standards in the statistical analysis and publication of research results, and legal aspects, including those related to artificial intelligence and human rights.

Tutorial for New Employees: Ethical Principles and Standards at IBB PAS

Anti-Discrimination Policy

The principle of non-discrimination is followed at every stage of the relationship with the employee – from the moment the job offer is published, through the establishment of the employment relationship, for the duration of the relationship and until its termination. Candidates and employees are treated equally and appropriately at every stage, with no exceptions.

An important element of the Institute’s anti-discrimination policy is adherence to and monitoring of equality principles, including gender equality principles:

Gender_Equality_Plan_IBB_PAS_2022-2024
Mid-term report on gender equality data at IBB PAS (as of June 30, 2023)
Report on gender equality data at IBB PAS (as of December 31, 2025)

UNESCO documents on gender equality:

The gender gap in science: status and trends, February 2024
UNESCO Call to Action: Closing the gender gap in science

At IBB PAS, the following committees operate:

Academic Ombudsman appointed by the Director’s Order Nr 12/2024

Marcin Grynberg; contact: ombudsman_ibb@ibb.waw.pl

Committee for the Prevention of Mobbing and Discrimination appointed by the Director’s Order Nr 11/2024

Katarzyna Jagiełło-Wilgat
Mariia Kovalenko
Ewa Kula-Świeżewska
Roman Szczęsny
Michał Turek

Disciplinary Committee for Scientific or Research and Technical Staff appointed by the Director’s Order Nr 55/2024

Iwona Fijałkowska
Michał Dmowski
Izabela Kern-Zdanowicz

Disciplinary Committee for Doctoral Students appointed by the Director’s Order Nr 56/2024

Tomasz Frączyk – person employed in scientific position
Szymon Kubala – person employed in scientific position
Aneta Bartosik – person employed in scientific position
Shweta Shweta – doctoral student
Małgorzata Siek – doctoral student

Disciplinary Appeals Committee for Doctoral Students appointed by the Director’s Order Nr 57/2024

Agata Starosta – person employed in scientific position
Kevin Waldron – person employed in scientific position
Giulia Santonoceto – doctoral student
Kierutheile Thou – doctoral student

Disciplinary Ombudsman for Doctoral Students appointed by the Director’s Order Nr 42/2024

Liliana Surmacz – person employed in scientific position

The IBB PAS Scientific Council has also appointed an Ethics in Science Committee and a Disciplinary Ombudsman.

Not Sure Where to Report a Concern? – Simple Guidance for Employees and Doctoral Students