Code of Conduct for Scientists of the Japanese Society of Nursing Science

The members of the Japan Academy of Nursing Science (hereafter referred to as "the Society") shall, in accordance with the purpose of the Society, strive to develop nursing science, to exchange knowledge widely, and to make their best efforts to contribute to the health and welfare of people.
As nursing professionals, members are required to comply with the "Code of Ethics for Nurses" (2003), a set of guidelines for nurses to conduct themselves in practice established by the Japan Nurses Association, as well as the "Declaration of Helsinki", an ethical principle for medical research involving human subjects established by the World Medical Association.

Furthermore, members, as those involved in nursing research, enjoy the right to search for the truth based on their own professional judgment under academic freedom, and have a serious responsibility to respond to society's trust in them as professionals. The Society shall clearly state a code of ethics for its members to fulfill their accountability to society, to participate consciously in building and maintaining a sound relationship between science and society, and at the same time to strictly regulate their own behavior.

This Code of Conduct was developed with reference to the Science Council of Japan's statement "Code of Conduct for Scientists" issued on October 3, 2006.

(Responsibility of Scientists)
1 Members have the responsibility to ensure the quality of the nursing expertise and skills they produce, and furthermore, to use their expertise, skills, and experience to contribute to the health and welfare of humankind, the safety and security of society, and the sustainability of the global environment.

(Scientist in action)
2 Members shall be aware that the autonomy of science is based on the trust and commitment of society, and shall always judge and act with honesty and integrity. They will also make their best efforts to scientifically demonstrate the accuracy and legitimacy of the knowledge produced by scientific research, and actively participate in the mutual evaluation of scientists in the scientific community, especially in the field of nursing science.

(Self-study)
3 Members shall strive to maintain and improve their own expertise and abilities, and shall understand the relationship between science and technology and society and the natural environment from a broad perspective, and shall work unceasingly to demonstrate the best judgment and attitude at all times.

(Description and Disclosure)
4 Members shall openly and proactively explain the significance and role of the research in which they are involved, evaluate the potential impact of their research on people, society, and the environment, and the changes it could cause, and disclose the results in a neutral and objective manner, while striving to establish a constructive dialogue with society.

(Research Activities)
5 Members shall act with integrity in accordance with the purpose of this Code of Conduct in the process of planning, planning, applying for, conducting, and reporting their own research. Members shall ensure record-keeping and strict handling of research and survey data, and shall not engage in or be complicit in fraudulent acts such as falsification, falsification, or plagiarism.

(Improvement of research environment)
6 Members shall be aware that the establishment and maintenance of a fair environment that enables the responsible conduct of research and the prevention of misconduct is also an important responsibility of their own, and shall actively work to improve the quality of the research environment of the scientific community and their own organizations. In order to achieve this, they will strive to gain the understanding and cooperation of society.

(Compliance with laws and regulations)
7 Members shall comply with laws, regulations, and related rules in conducting research and using research funds.

(Consideration for research subjects, etc.)
8 Members shall respect the personalities, human rights, and well-being of research collaborators. They will treat animals and other animals with the utmost sincerity.

(Relationships with others)
9 Members will appropriately criticize the achievements of others, while at the same time humbly listening to criticism of their own research and exchanging opinions in a sincere manner. Members will give due recognition to the intellectual and other achievements of others, and respect the honor and intellectual property rights of others.

(Elimination of discrimination)
10 Members shall not discriminate against individuals on the basis of race, sex, status, ideology or religion in their research, education and academic activities, and shall respect individual freedom and personality by dealing impartially with individuals based on the scientific method.

(Conflict of Interest)
11 In their own research, reviews, evaluations, and judgments, members will be fully aware of conflicts of interest between individuals and organizations, or between different organizations, and will respond appropriately with due regard for public interest.

(Ambivalence in the use of research)
12 Members recognize that their research results may be misused in research or practice that, contrary to their intentions, may harm people's lives and livelihoods and threaten the safety of society, and they shall select appropriate means and methods acceptable to society when conducting research and publishing the results.

(Over)

Supplementary Provisions
The amendments to this Code shall take effect on June 16, 2019.